Museum professional historian Dennis Picard will walk us through the history of maple sugaring, a story of romance, folklore and science. The “gold of the forest” in the form of maple syrup or maple candy is still a treat for us today and a valued part of New England’s economy.

William Lewis left an extraordinary record of his life in over 300 documents. He was a tanner, currier, a peddler of books and Yankee Notions, and a farmer in Barre, MA. Bruce Craven and Christie Higginbottom will uncover the everyday life of a 19th century New Englander, using William’s journals and records. Their book, Finding William Lewis [1819-1897], will be available for sale at the program.