Walk through Wilmington's unique history

The Wilmington Historical Society invites community members to an “Historical Walking Tour of Wilmington” on Friday, August 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Wilmington. The tour of the hamlet will be guided by Karen Peters, President of the Wilmington Historical Society, and Guy Stephenson, historical society member and licensed guide.

See and learn about Wilmington hamlet’s historic locations and people with many accompanying historic photos and stories encompassing more than 200 years of history. The easy nearly level walk is approximately 3 miles long and will take place rain or shine, so participants are encouraged to bring appropriate gear and good shoes. There will be a rest stop at about 11:30 a.m. at the A&W Restaurant where walkers may purchase individual meals or snacks.  Registration required by August 28 with a limit of 10 people. 

Walkers will explore Wilmington with new eyes as they see locations and buildings that bring local history into focus. Local stories will tell of War of 1812 heroes Reuben Sanford and Stephen Partridge, the lumbering and iron industries, the role of Wilmington residents during the Civil War and World Wars, the establishment of tourism with its many effects on the town and economy, how electricity came to Wilmington, and about some well-known characters who helped to shape the town’s history. Why is the lake created by the dam called Lake Everest? Why was the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway built? How did an artist named Arto Monaco affect our town’s appearance? Why did New Englanders settle here in the first place? Participants will explore these questions and much more as they take a walk through the hamlet. 

The “Historical Walking Tour of Wilmington” on Friday, August 29 is free and open to the public, limit 10 people. Registered participants will meet at the Pavilion at Preston Festival Field on Springfield Road in Wilmington.  Please contact the Wilmington Historical Society for further information or to register by emailing at whs12997@hotmail.com .