The Spring Hill History Day 2023

The Spring Hill History Day 2023 event in East Sandwich, MA. on Saturday, June 17th was hosted by the WFA.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore the Spring Hill Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The $10 ticket granted access to the Green Briar Nature Center & Jam Kitchen; the Wing Fort House & History Museum; the recently restored East Sandwich Friends Meeting House; the Quaker Meetinghouse; the Blueberry Bog; Niilo Ahehon House; the classic Clark Hoxie House, and the scenic Shirley's Woods managed by the Sandwich Conservation Trust.

Dave Wheelock (right), WFA caretaker and historian, played a pivotal role in conducting non-stop tours of the Wing Fort House which brought the history of Spring Hill to life.

Despite the rain, nearly 60 attendees braved the weather to participate, and the proceeds were equally shared among the four non-profits in Spring Hill.

Special Presentations:

At the Wing History Museum, Taylor Reis Stasis and Miciah Stasis, who represented the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe, engaged in discussions with visitors, offering insights into the intertwined history of the indigenous community with the Wing family and Spring Hill historic district. The table curated by Taylor and Miciah, adorned with books and traditional items such as furs, tools, bags, and jewelry, sparked conversations, shedding light on Wampanoag culture and heritage in the region. This gave visitors an understanding of our shared history.

Brad Blake and Jennifer Wing Falk shared their family's stories through a family scrapbook and videos that added to visitors'

understanding of the Spring Hill community's history.

Bob Kelley(below), a Quaker, and Wing descendant led two talks on the history of early Sandwich Friends at the Quaker Friends Meeting House.

Unfortunately, due to weather, Amy McGuiggan, colonial garden enthusiast and Wing descendant, was unable to discuss historic plants & gardening at the Fort House. The WFA appreciate her efforts in designing pamphlets for the ‘Colonial Garden.

We are grateful to our volunteers, Lynn Parks, Kevin & Liza Cronin, and Victoria Lento, who played integral roles in ensuring the smooth execution of the day's activities.