News Archive

Reception Dec.2nd for Exhibit of Polly Wakefield’s Watercolors

Friday, 21 November 2014 16:35

Throughout December, watercolor paintings by the late Mary “Polly” M. B. Wakefield will be on display in the Wotiz Gallery of the Milton Public Library, 476 Canton Avenue in Milton. This collection reflects work done over dozens of years, right up until Polly's death in 2004, while studying with esteemed painter Nancy Sargent Howell. Polly's works reflect Howell's method of allowing students to borrow heavily from her work and others in order to learn how to mix colors, use brush strokes, and develop compositions. The exhibit will include some of Howell's work to help illustrate her method of "teacher-pupil" connection. The exhibit is the final event in a year-long celebration of Polly Wakefield’s 100^th birthday year. Mrs. Wakefield died in 2004, leaving her estate to be used for education and enjoyment under the direction of the Mary M. B. Wakefield Charitable Trust.

An opening reception will be held at the library Tuesday, Dec. 2nd from 6-8:00 pm and is free to the public. Gift sets of cards made of some of Polly's paintings will be available for purchase. For more information, call 617-333-0924 x22 or the library at 617-698-5757.

Order a Hand-crafted, Locally-sourced Holiday Wreath!

Friday, 31 October 2014 11:39

The Mary M. B. Wakefield Charitable Trust is offering hand-crafted, locally-sourced holiday wreaths.  The wreaths are 18 inches in diameter and can be hung or used as a holiday centerpiece. The deadline to order a wreath is Wednesday, Dec 3; order by calling 617-333-0924 or send an email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Wreathes will be available for pick up at the Wakefield Estate (1465 Brush Hill Rd in Milton) during the week of Dec. 8-12, or earlier if arranged with staff.  The wreathes are $35; all proceeds benefit The Wakefield Trust’s educational programming.

1st Annual Members Open Weekend:Oct 18th-19th

Tuesday, 23 September 2014 13:44

The Wakefield Estate will be open for a special members only weekend on Saturday, Oct 18th and Sunday, Oct 19th with several visitation options. Come enjoy the early morning light and song birds over coffee, cider, and donuts, or take a late afternoon walk among the estate's formal gardens and enjoy refreshments on the piazza. Families can enjoy a self-guided scavenger hunt, a walk in our new labyrinth, or visit with the animals. The yellow and reds of autumn provide a last burst of color that you won't want to miss. Visiting options:

• Saturday, Oct 18, 8 am-10 am
• Saturday, Oct 18, 3-5 pm
• Sunday, Oct 19, 3-5 pm

Please call to RSVP: 617-333-0924 or click here.

Consider BECOMING A MEMBER today!

While this is a members only event, it's a great opportunity to come out and become a member, or if for members to consider renewing. Our members help support our valuable education programs and initiatives, while enjoying some special privileges. For more info on membership and benefits, click here.

Check out our beautiful Pocket Guide!

Wednesday, 10 September 2014 00:00

Visitors to the estate can now pick up a copy a beautiful "Pocket Guide to the Wakefield Estate" at the kiosk located to the left of the lane near the entrance. The Pocket Guide is a wonderfully informative combo brochure/map, designed to read easily as it opens origami-style to reveal a helpful map inside. A larger color version of the Pocket Guide is posted on the two sides of the kiosk, while black-and-white copies are supplied in weather-resistant pockets for use by guests during their visit. The guide was created by Maggie Redfern, graduate of the Landscape Institute, as part of a report entitled, "Maryfield: A Preservation Plan for the Mary M. B. Wakefield Estate." The report was the final product of her 2011-12 independent studio of the Landscape Institute of the Boston Architectural College and can be read in its entirety at the Arnold Arboretum Library.

To print out a low resolution version of the map and information sheet, click here. Set your printer to print it on 2 8 1/2" x !!" sheets in color.