Sweat Morin Homestead Photo: R. Perron
By Lawrence Furbish
On Saturday, May 2, beginning at 10:30 am, a Jane’s Walk will take place at the Sweat Morin Homestead, 374 School Street in Sanford. This is one of 70 Jane’s Walks taking place on this day in 14 Maine counties and 35 cities, all sponsored by Maine Preservation. Jane’s Walk is a global celebration of free, volunteer-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs.
Jacobs was a community activist and writer who lived from 1916-2006 and is best known for galvanizing her neighbors to stop a large highway project from being built through their New York City community. Jane spent her life using grassroots advocacy to protect neighborhoods from urban renewal and believed in the power of individuals to influence the places they live. Today, her ideas underpin the participatory planning approaches that are used in many communities around the world.
During the Sanford Jane’s Walk, visitors will have the opportunity to step back into the 18th century by exploring the colonial home of Rev. Moses Sweat, which has been restored in recent years largely by members of the Mousam Way Land Trust. Volunteers will lead a tour of the homestead, carriage house, barn, and family cemetery. Moses Sweat was the town’s first Congregational minister in 1786.
The historic homestead has been restored and furnished with a mix of authentic pieces and period-correct replicas featuring three fireplaces, massive 32-foot hand-hewn ceiling beams, a colonial paint scheme, and a keeping room, back kitchen, birthing room and parlor. Watch history come to life with reenactors demonstrating spinning on two working wheels, one for wool and one for flax, and weaving on a barn loom.
Jane’s Walks combine exploring a specific place with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement. This is the fifth year Maine communities have officially participated in the global Jane’s Walk celebration. The event is free and the public is invited to attend.
The post Historic Home to be Featured in Jane’s Walk appeared first on Sanford Springvale News.
