by Dan Kemp
In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, Wayland is planning a number of events. Under the umbrella name “Wayland250”, a group of organizations and individuals has been meeting regularly to plan relevant activities, including the Wayland Museum and Historical Society, the Wayland Historical Commission, the Wayland Select Board, the Wayland Town Manager’s office and the Wayland Free Library:
Architectural Walking Tours: Two architecture-focused walking tours will be held this summer. The first in June 2025 will focus on historical buildings in Cochituate and the second in September 2025 will be Wayland’s historical town center, followed by an open house at the Wayland Historical Society’s Grout-Heard House and Museum next to the library.
Hydrant Painting: Those of us who are old enough will remember the colorful whimsically painted hydrants that honored the 200th anniversary of independence. They will be back for the 250th. From now through November 2025, selected artists will be invited to adopt a hydrant, create a design, and paint it. The town will supply paint kits with standard colors, but artists may add additional hues.
October 4 Festival: Continuing the Multicultural Festival tradition, on October 4, 2025, a festival will occur at the Town Center shopping mall. There will be a short parade along the Rail Trail from the historical town center to the shopping mall. Stages at the mall will showcase exuberant musical and dancing acts, including a Chinese Lion Dance sponsored by the Wayland Chinese American Association. Workshops and vendors will represent different cultures and food trucks will be on site.
Cemetery Tour: Spring 2026 will feature a tour of North Cemetery where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. The tour will include actors telling stories of some of the people buried there including that of a boy who played the fife at Bunker Hill.
Swim-Run: In June 2026 the Wayland Community Pool will be the location of a family swim-run event. This will involve a 250-meter swim followed by a 5K fun run.
Wayland Free Library Presentations: As part of its “Great Presenters Series”, the library will offer programs following revolutionary period themes. Watch for programs on revolutionary era taverns, the impact of the revolution on Wayland and Sudbury, and the role of printing in the founding of a new nation.
Other Events: Several other events have been discussed but have not yet been scheduled. These include: a reenactment of a critical town meeting debate; a presentation on the transportation of the Fort Ticonderoga cannon to Boston by way of Wayland; a talk on the role of Wayland’s enslaved people participating in the Revolution; an essay contest; and a veterans’ panel discussion on the experience of war.
To learn about coming anniversary events, in a few days you will be able to visit the town website www.wayland.ma.us. On the green menu bar at the top of the page, look for “Wayland250”. This will take you to information about 250th anniversary activities as they become known and provide an opportunity to sign up for events that require registration.
