News Archive

Spring Shearing Day: Saturday, May 10

Tuesday, 01 April 2014 10:03

Mark your calendars! With the arrival of spring, it is time for the estate's three sheep to be sheared again and we've scheduled our Spring Shearing Day for May 10 at 10 a.m. Maisy, Daisy and Binney are now three and have grown a heavy coat of fleece since last spring. We've invited Kevin Ford, America's foremost "blade" (hand) sheepshearer, back to shear the three small Shetland ewes, demonstrating traditional techniques rather than using more modern razors. He has made his living at sheepshearing for over 20 years, and conducts many workshops and public demonstrations. During the 90s, Polly Wakefield kept twenty-five Dorset sheep here the property. We were surprised to discover that it was none other than Kevin who sheared Polly's sheep each spring!

During your visit we hope you'll meet Jack the llama, who may also be sheared that day. There will be a drop spindle spinning demonstration along with some other fun activities. For more information and to register, call 617-333-0924. While this is a free event, donations are always welcome.

Stone Soup 4/24: Stories from the estate's attic

Tuesday, 01 April 2014 09:57

Join us for the final 2014 Stone Soup and Speakers Series event, April 24 at 5:30 p.m., featuring Susan Martin, Manuscript Processor from Mass Historical Society overseeing the cataloguing of the Polly Wakefield's family papers. Continuing with this year's series theme "untold stories in attics and archives," Susan will share vignettes of those who lived at the Wakefield Estate, based on tidbits MHS has unearthed during the cataloging process.

The Wakefield Estate's Stone Soup Series is a monthly event aimed at highlighting local topics and interests. After enjoying a bowl of tasty home-made soup, participants gather for a short presentation by the featured speaker. Space is very limited so pre-registration is required. To RSVP or for more information, please call 617-333-0924.

Pruning Practicum -Saturday, 3/29: practice your pruning skills

Monday, 10 March 2014 11:26

Join us for this very special pruning workshop, designed as a “practicum” for folks who have taken pruning classes here, at the Arboretum, or elsewhere. One of our staff certified arborists leads this session, affording a “hands-on” opportunity to practice what you’ve learned, and to learn even more! Most of the session will be held outdoors, so dress accordingly. While we will have some tools and gloves available, feel free to bring your own. Suggested donation $20 - pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call 617-333-0924.

Stone Soup 3/27: Vintage Photo Slideshow

Monday, 10 March 2014 11:22

Join us for the third 2014 Stone Soup and Speakers Series, March 27 at 5:30 p.m., featuring Tim Kernan, a Milton resident, who will share a collection of vintage photos taken by his grandmother. Continuing with this year's series theme "untold stories in attics and archives," the photos were found in several circa 1910 albums, are of many properties along Brush Hill Road, and near Paul's Bridge and Fowl Meadow. Some of the images are still mysteries, where Tim and his wife Susan have not been able to figure out what they are looking at, as they've scanned the collection and created a digital record. Come and take a look at what the Paul's Bridge area of Milton looked like at the turn of the century, and help solve some of the mysteries!

The Wakefield Estate's Stone Soup Series is a monthly event aimed at highlighting local topics and interests. After enjoying a bowl of tasty home-made soup, participants gather for a short presentation by the featured speaker. Space is very limited so pre-registration is required. To RSVP or for more information, please call 617-333-0924.