Dear Friends,

As we reflect on this past year at the Homestead, we’re filled with gratitude for a season of learning, beauty, and connection. It has been a year of growth—both in honoring beloved traditions and exploring new ways to engage with our community and with history.

We opened our program season with one of those unforgettable Vaughan Homestead moments— a joyful spring parade from the gates to the Maypole. Children blew bubbles, waved ribbons, played hand instruments, and rode bicycles, all to the sounds of live fiddle music. Surrounded by the fresh green of spring, laughter and music filling the air, we were reminded of the magic and purpose of this place: to gather, to celebrate, and to create lasting memories together.

Throughout the year, the Homestead continued to come alive with warmth and purpose. Our Rural Socrates speaker series brought fresh perspectives and widened our understanding of history and preservation. Our new online exhibit, “A Legacy in Conflict,” opened conversations about our past and its meaning for today. The dining room welcomed guests to shared meals, while the front parlor crackled with conversation by firelight. In the music room, guests lingered long after speakers were done, deepening the sense of community and shared mission.

In the  fall, our old cider press clattered and whirred to life at the annual Fall Gathering, filling the air with the scent of apples and producing some of the most delicious cider we’ve ever tasted. Meanwhile, up at the trailhead, our new parking area welcomed hundreds of visitors each weekend, offering easier access to the Woods.

As we look ahead, we’re excited not only to continue these enriching programs, but also to begin an important new chapter: the restoration of the Corniche Trail bridges in the Woods. This beautiful and historic trail is a cherished part of our property, and your support will help bring it back to life for future generations to enjoy. 

Your gift this year will ensure that community programs thrive and that the Homestead continues to be a place of inspiration, reflection, and joy—for all.With heartfelt thanks,

Kate Tremblay
Executive Director

Cover Art by Cassie Sano: 

Cassie is a plein air painter from Augusta, Maine. She is the organizer of the Kennebec Valley Plein Air Painters, and enjoys painting at locations all over Maine. See more of her work at cassiesanoart.com.