Groton Hosts Harvest Home Program on “The Future’s In The Dirt”

Groton is the centerpiece of a four-part “Harvest Home” series of events celebrating farms and farmers in October. Sponsored by Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, the programs demonstrate agriculture’s value to the historic character of New England and the agrarian roots of the group’s 45 member towns.

The four programs will be in Dunstable, Groton, Pepperell, and Hollis, NH. They will present a variety of topics, from highlighting Dunstable’s Barns to the final program, co-sponsored with Groton Local, “The Future’s In The Dirt” with Vermont author Ben Hewitt. Groton Historical Society President John Ott is the presenter of the program in Hollis, when he will talk about how New England’s “intelligent agriculture” helped change farming during the 1800s.

“These programs are important to our regional heritage and to our families. “Harvest Home” celebrates how local agriculture is a powerful tool for conservation, preservation, and community pride. On a very personal level, it encourages a dinner table discussion about the food on our plates!” Executive Director Alene Reich said. All programs are free and open to the public.

• Dunstable: Thursday, October 18, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. “Barns of Dunstable: Past and Present” – Dunstable barns over the past three centuries — those that were lost and those that remain. Dunstable Free Public Library, Community Room, 588 Main Street. Contact: Susan Tully at [email protected], (978) 649-7830.
• Pepperell: Saturday, October 20, 1-3 p.m., “Meet the Hills of Kimball Fruit Farm” – Hear Marie and Carl Hills’ stories on the challenges and rewards of operating a family farm. Lawrence Library, 15 Main St, Pepperell, 01463. Contact: Debra Spratt at [email protected], (978) 433-0330
• Hollis, NH: Sunday, October 21, 1-3 p.m., “American Farm Implements: Tools, Technology and Agricultural Innovation” – John Ott’s program will look at how farming changed during the 19th century using New England’s very own “intelligent agriculture,” or “book farming.” Beaver Brook Association, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, NH 03049. Contact: Celeste P. Barr at [email protected], 603) 465-7787
• Groton: Sunday, October 28, 2:30-5:30p.m. “The Future’s in the Dirt” features farmer and author Ben Hewitt (The Town That Food Saved). Hewitt will share how a community used farming and food to revitalize one town around sustainable agriculture. In addition, meet organizations such as the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, Glynwood, Northeast SARE who will share displays about their services. Groton- Dunstable Regional High School, Black Box Theater, 703 Chicopee Row, Groton, 01450. Contact: Groton Local’s Bobbie Spiegelman at [email protected], (978) 448-6366.

According to a press release issued by the group, the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area includes communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire that share unique historical, natural, and cultural resources. The region is home to a series of historic events that influenced democratic forms of governance and intellectual traditions that underpin concepts of American freedom, democracy, conservation, and social justice. These 45 towns share common themes that have contributed toward this special landscape of American History.