News Archive

Registration open for 2016 Summer Archaeology Institute

Monday, 11 January 2016 11:18

The Wakefield Estate's Summer Archaeology Institute is a hands-on archaeological excavation at the historic Wakefield Estate in Milton, MA. It is one of only a few programs of its type in the country. The institute is specifically designed for high school and college students interested in learning about local history and archaeology. Participants will work side by side with graduate archaeology students from Boston University. Each two-week session offers students a hands-on introduction to the field of archaeology through participation in an actual excavation on site at the estate. To read about some of the past discoveries, check the news archive on here on our website.

2016 Dates & Schedule

Session I: July 5 – July 15; Monday-Friday 9 am-3:00 pm

Session II: July 18 – July 29; Monday-Friday, 9 am-3:00 pm

Program Description

In each two-week session, participants will work closely with archaeologists to conduct survey work and learn how to set up an archaeological dig. Students will gain excavation experience and the methods and techniques involved in conducting archaeology. Possible field trips and special events include visiting the Boston City Archaeology Lab and meeting specialists from nearby archaeological museums.  Participants will also gain experience in identifying artifacts and the behind-the-scenes activities that occur after the fieldwork has been conducted.

Requirements

• Willingness to work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
• Enthusiasm for hard work and getting dirty -- this is an archaeological dig!
• Commitment to teamwork and respect for others.
• Ability to work independently as well as with others.

Cost

• $300 per session; $450 for both sessions
• Scholarships available based on need.  Please call 617-333-0924 for more information.

Application Process and Deadline

To obtain a copy of our application, call 617-333-0924 or click here for a downloadable pdf.

• Send completed application to address below.
• Space is limited; applicants will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. 

Send or fax(call 617-333-0924 before faxing) completed application to:

 Erica Max, Program Director 

Wakefield Charitable Trust

1465 Brush Hill Road 

Milton, MA  02186

Backyard Homesteading: Create a Compact Orchard 3/19

Friday, 08 January 2016 13:22

Become a backyard orchardist and grow your own fruit! Even with a small yard, you can enjoy fruit from your own trees with minimal effort and cost. This step-by-step workshop, to be held March 19 frrom 9:00-11:00 am, will teach you all you need to know to plan and create a compact orchard for years of enjoyment.

Participants will spend part of the workshop outside in the orchard for a pruning demonstration, so dress accordingly. $30; $20 for members of Wakefield Estate or Arnold Arboretum. Space is limited; pre-registration required.

Register through the Arnold Arboretum at http://my.arboretum.harvard.edu or call 617-384-5277. Offered with the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University.

2016 Stone Soup Launches Thursday, Jan. 28th

Friday, 18 December 2015 15:24

Next month, we kick-off our 2016 Stone Soup and Speakers Series on Thursday, January 28th, 6:00-7:30pm.   These delightful programs are held each month over the winter months on the final Thursday of each month. We begin the evening with a simple meal of homemade soup followed by a short presentation by a featured speaker.

The theme for this year's series is "Lessons From The Journey.”  Each month a featured speaker will include a slide presentation of a recent journey or adventure and explore the lessons learned along the way.

This year’s series will begin on Jan. 28th with our own Executive Director, Mark Smith, who recently completed walking the Camino de Santiago – a 500-mile ancient pilgrimage across Spain.

Space IS limited. Pre-registration is required. To RSVP or for more information, please call 617-333-0924.

Join us for our 6th Annual Winterfire Jan. 9th

Friday, 18 December 2015 10:59

Once again, it's time for one of our favorite events: the Wakefield Estate's annual Winterfire! Our 6th Winterfire will be held Saturday, January 9th from 5:00-7:00 pm. This annual event combines lightscape with landscape to highlight many of the estate's signature trees and garden features against a deep mid-winter sky. Enjoy some hot chocolate and roast a hot dog or sausage on an open fire. This is a fun, family-friendly event. Subject to cancellation due to weather; see www.wakefieldtrust.org or our Facebook page for any last minute changes. Dress warmly and bring a friend! While this event is free, donations are appreciated, and pre-registration is requested. To RSVP or for more information, call 617-333-0924.