First-of-its-kind Readathon of Thoreau’s Cape Cod hosted by Barnstable Land Trust on October 7-8
Over 50 diverse community readers make history during National Book Month at BLT’s Fuller Farm
Barnstable, MA – Barnstable Land Trust (BLT), in honor of its 40th Anniversary, proudly presents the first ever Thoreau’s Cape Cod Readathon happening from 10 am to 3 pm, October 7th and 8th. Sponsored by the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation and with support from the Mass Cultural Council, the event will feature a rotation of over 50 community readers at the Michael R. Kramer Center, a new post and beam barn on BLT’s historic Fuller Farm property in Marstons Mills. This special event celebrates Thoreau’s iconic work illustrating the natural beauty of Cape Cod and how his depiction of the environment and Cape Cod life has changed over time. The event will also be live streamed via BLT’s YouTube channel. Partners like the Appalachian Mountain Club/Southeastern Chapter will be on hand with displays and activities. Free tours of Fuller Farm’s hiking trails will be offered daily at 11 am and 1 pm.
What: Thoreau’s Cape Cod Readathon
Who: Over 50 community readers from 17 towns; first reading each day performed by “Henry” (aka Richard Smith, a living history interpreter of Henry David Thoreau)
When: Saturday, October 7 / 10 am – 3 pm (free walking tours at 11 am and 1 pm)
Sunday, October 8 / 10 am – 3 pm (free walking tours at 11 am and 1 pm)
Where: The Michael R. Kramer Center, a new post and beam barn at Fuller Farm (995 Route 149, Marstons Mills); continuous shuttle bus service provided to off-site parking area.
Parking: Parking for the general public will be available from the nearby West Villages Elementary School, 760 Osterville West Barnstable Road, Marstons Mills, MA 02648 where shuttle bus service will be provided 9 am – 3:30 pm.
Website link: https://blt.org/thoreau
YouTube Channel/Livestream: @barnstablelandtrust1755
Other: Photo opportunities with Henry David Thoreau in costume will be available both mornings; partners like Appalachian Mountain Club/Southeastern Chapter will have information and demo stations.
Both days will kick-off with “Henry David Thoreau” (aka as Richard Smith of Concord who is a living history interpreter well known for his Henry David Thoreau costumed portrayal) reading from Thoreau’s Cape Cod. Overall, the community readers represent over 17 different towns, both on and off the Cape. In addition to many year-round and seasonal residents as well as Barnstable Land Trust board members and staff, readers represent diverse organizations such as the Compact of Cape Cod Land Trusts, Cape Cod Technology Council, Town of Barnstable, Town of Concord, Thoreau Farm, Thoreau Society, Transcendental Concord, Orenda Wildlife Land Trust, Wellfleet Conservation Trust, Cotuit Federated Church, Appalachian Mountain Club/Southeastern Chapter, Cotuit Center for the Performing Arts, Marston Mills Historical Society, Barnstable Open Space Committee, Osterville Men’s Club, and others. Individuals represent all walks of life including neighbors, an author, elected officials, a pastor/reverend, nonprofit leaders, business professionals, town employees, and a college student whose summer grant-funded research project was on “Thoreau’s Cape Cod and Climate Change.”
“What better way to celebrate Barnstable Land Trust’s 40th Anniversary than by paying tribute to Henry David Thoreau who helped to lay the foundation for the modern environmental movement while inspiring people like JFK, John Muir, and Rachel Carson,” said BLT’s executive director, Janet Milkman. “The overwhelming response by community readers and partners illustrates how relevant his work continues to be during this critical period of environmental change.”
Leading up to the readathon, over 13 Thoreau linked programs are being offered on topics including a virtual reading circle led by The Waldon Woods Project, talks (history of saltworks, photography, author readings), walks (wildflowers, wildlife, cultural history), workshops (journaling), and special events (art exhibit featuring local artists, literary discussions) as it relates to Thoreau’s well-known book. Some programs are being offered as part of the “Celebrating Thoreau from Concord to Cape Cod” collaboration, a partnership with the Town of Concord (MA), The Walden Woods Project, Thoreau Farm, and The Thoreau Society. Overall, the programs and weekend events are supported by over 30 business and community partners.
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Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) is a community-supported, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving open space and natural resources in the Town of Barnstable and nearby areas. BLT has protected 1,200 acres in the Town of Barnstable and supported the Town in conserving over 11,000 more. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2023, BLT is a regional leader in collaborative land preservation and stewardship, community engagement, training, and advocacy. BLT also leverages its conservation expertise to inform local public decisions as they impact our ecosystems, community health, well-being, and quality of life. To learn more about BLT’s special 40th Anniversary events including the first-of-its-kind 2-day live Readathon of Thoreau’s Cape Cod, the Hike Barnstable Challenge, BLT’s trailside poetry initiative Words in the Wild, First Day Hikes Cape Cod, or access one of its three popular trail map guides (Barnstable Trail Guide – English and Portuguese versions, Cape Cod Pathways/Barnstable Trail Guide, and Eagle Pond & Little River Sanctuary Trail Guide), visit http://www.BLT.org or call 508-771-2585.