Wakefield Estate

"The air is different today/the wind sings with a new tone/ sighing of changes/ coming/ the harvest gathered/a flower, a nut/ some mead, and bread/ a candle and a prayer/ returning the fruits/ in thanksgiving/ to the grove..."   

 - Rhawk, Alban Elfed

As we begin a new program year at the Wakefield Estate, we are mindful of the extraordinary treasure left to us by Polly Wakefield - this small but beautiful corner of the earth she left us to care for and to share with others. We continue to learn from and about Polly's unique landscape -- almost on a daily basis we are surprised by new discoveries and insights about her love for her trees and plants, and her passion that people interact with them. Last week we held our annual Equinox Fire and evening garden tour; so many people who had seen the gardens during the day marveled at their nocturnal beauty -- they saw trees in a new light, a new way. Polly spent her life experimenting with trees and plants, and seeing them in new and different ways. Had Polly been with us for the Equinox Fire, I believe she too would have been in awe at her majestic trees bathed in dazzling light. It is in her spirit that we carry on her legacy and desire for a deep connection to and appreciation for the natural beauty around us.

 

 Mark Smith

Executive Director
  
Wakefield Estate
Back by Popular Demand!
Holiday Inspiration with Lisa!
Thursday, Oct.11
7.00.pm - 8.30.pm 

Usher in the Fall with festive seasonal floral decorations you can make yourself at home. Lisa Ahern, from Cedar Grove Gardens in Dorchester, will inspire you with luscious autumnal beauty for your entryway, mantles and tables. Enjoy some light refreshments while watching Lisa work her magic! Most of the arrangements created during the workshop are raffled among those present at the end of the evening. Price for the workshop, which includes refreshments, is $20 per person.  

This is one of our most popular programs so pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call 617-333-0924. 

Space is limited, sign up soon!

Collections interns make fantastic finds

This summer was the third year the Wakefield Estate hosted collection interns from various universities to catalog the contents of the Davenport Mansion. Two of this year's interns, Jennifer Babb and Bridgett Farrel, worked on the attic textiles. Bridget Sullivan worked on creating a Collections Management Policy. Their hard work unearthed some fantastic finds including tortoise shell combs, fine silk dresses and curtains, an ostrich feather fan, and even a giant boa constrictor skin. Valarie Kinkade, Principal of Museum and Collector Resource acts as the intern supervisor in the areas of curatorship and collections management.  
Ms. Kinkade has over 30 years of experience in the museum field and is the owner of a consulting firm which specializes in collections related projects for a wide variety of museums. 
 
For more images of the textile interns "finds," visit our website recent news.

 


Equinox Fire Warms Quite a Crowd

Our 2nd annual autumnal Equinox Fire, held Friday, September 21st, was a big hit! Everyone shared their best marshmallow cooking techniques, enjoyed a hot dog or just enjoyed a beautiful evening at the estate! Plan to join us for our next outdoor "fire" event, Winterfire, which will be held in January. Watch our events calendar for date and details to follow.

Save the date for these fall events!

Seed Scavenger Hunt/Pumpkin Carving - Oct. 28

Winter Prep Pruning and Maintenance - Nov. 10, 9:00 a.m.

For more info, please call us at 617-333-0924 during regular business hours.

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Mary M. B. Wakefield Charitable Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Staff:
Mark Smith, Executive Director - email: mark@dogwoodlanefarm.org
Erica Max, Program Director - email: erica@dogwoodlanefarm.org
Dave Cafaro, Grounds and Building Maintenance - email: dave@dogwoodlanefarm.org
Deb Merriam, Landscape Director - email: dmerriam@comcast.net
For more information, call us at (617) 333-0924 or check out our website at wakefieldtrust.org