Tri-Town Walking Tours will enable residents and visitors to experience a piece of history this month.
Dr. Elise Frangos, Assistant Superintendent and Marion resident, and Mrs. Erin Bednarczyk of Rochester are leaders in the “Healthy, Safe, and Respectful Relationships” group of the Healthy Tri-Town Coalition. They are co-sponsoring community walks with the Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester Historical Societies. Three intergenerational June walks are planned to help residents of all ages connect with the fascinating local histories of our Tri-Towns. Frangos believes that the experience of walking through history may help local children, newcomers, as well as interested residents understand the rich history of the towns and become more civically involved, interested in community preservation, and consider being a part of their Historical Societies. “These gentle, non-athletic walks led by historical society experts will forge new relationships and showcase the incredible beauty and rich histories of our sister towns.” The walks are limited to 30 participants. Frangos hopes they will start continuous opportunities to connect students and residents to our diverse histories and our historical societies. Additionally, residents may forge new relationships while walking and talking.
The first walk will take place on June 15 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Marion history expert and author of 6 books, Ms. Judith Rosbe will lead the Marion walk starting at the Sippican Historical Society at 141 Front Street across from the newly refurbished Marion General Store.
Rosbe will lead participants to the Dr. Walton Nye and Ellis homes, strollers will proceed down Main, Water, and South Streets and the group will end with cookies in the Historical Society’s Memorial Garden.
The 2nd history walk will talk place in Mattapoisett on June 23from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Ms. Jennifer McIntire, Mattapoisett Historical Society President, will start the group at the Mattapoisett Museum and lead participants to the waterfront. Participants will learn the history of Shipyard Park and see many points of interest. Email Dr. Frangos at elisefrangos@oldrochester.org to reserve a space in either walk.
The final walk will take place on June 29from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and highlight Rochester history. It will be led by two long-term, dedicated Historical Society members, Secretary, Susan Lefleur and Vice President, Connie Eschbach. The group will meet at the Plumb Corner parking lot, 555 Marion Rd., Rochester in the parking lot near Countryside Day Care then will cross Marion Road/Rte. 105 and gather in front of the Rochester Congregational Church. Stops will include the Congregational Church, Academy Building, Rochester Town Hall, and cross New Bedford Rd. to visit the cemetery where the headstones of prominent Rochester residents continue to tell the story of the town.
To reserve a place on the Rochester walk, email Erin Bednarczyk at erinbednarczyk@oldrochester.org.