Wayland250 events, celebrating the nationwide America250 observance, are in full swing, with everything from exhibits to plays to virtual history programs.
The Echoes of Liberty exhibit is on display at the Wayland Museum and Historical Society, 12 Cochituate Road, through July 31. The exhibit is a juried show with selected winners.
The next major event in the 250th anniversary lineup is “Rendezvous with Rachel Revere,” a History at Play production scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. at Vokes Theatre. The play tells the story of Paul Revere’s wife as she manages their household while Revere is across the Charles River during the Revolution. Admission is free, with donations to benefit a planned historical sign at Cochituate ball field.
If you want to enjoy an event at home, there are three virtual history programs on Mondays in July from 7–8 p.m. “Celebrate America’s 250th: The Two Nerdy History Girls,” kicks off the programs on July 13. The second, “Celebrate America’s 250th: The Black Experience of the Revolution,” will be Monday, July 20. The third, “Celebrate America’s 250th: ‘The Escapes of David George,’” is scheduled for Monday, July 27. Residents interested in attending should check the Wayland Free Public Library calendar for registration and virtual access details.
The Historical Commission is also planning a cemetery walking tour for the fall, featuring seven Revolutionary-era Wayland residents portrayed by eight performers. Commission discussion described the figures as “everyday” soldiers rather than famous Revolutionary War figures. Handouts are expected to include a map showing homes east of the Sudbury River where the soldiers lived.
The cemetery walk date has not been finalized, with Sept. 27 and Oct. 25 both discussed depending on actor availability from Vokes Theatre. The commission expects to use timed-entry reservations, with groups capped at about 10 to 15 people per slot. Proceeds from the cemetery walk are also expected to support the Cochituate Ball Field historical sign.
Commission member Sherry Anne Bryant announced the release of a 250th-themed coloring book she produced. “A Bird’s Eye View of Wayland Through the Years” is expected to be distributed free at the Wayland Festival on Saturday, Oct. 3.
America 250 marks the semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Communities across Massachusetts have been planning local programming connected to the anniversary through libraries, historical societies, schools, municipal committees and civic organizations.
