About this Event
Maple Day is a Stanley-Whitman House annual tradition and our kickoff to 2026 / America250 programming. Outside in front of the museum, historic interpreter Dennis Picard will tap a maple tree and evaporate sap in kettles over a wood fire, demonstrating traditional sugaring techniques and sharing the history, craft, and stories of New England sugaring throughout the afternoon. These are interpretive demonstrations designed to show process and meaning rather than to offer food sampling.
Inside the museum we’ll run a full slate of programming: staff-led house tours (hourly) that interpret the seasonal rhythms of colonial and Revolutionary-era life; family activities and demonstrations in the Spear Classroom and Whitman Tavern; and the Roots & Reflections paintings by Rachel and John O’Shaughnessy on view as part of our Artist Intervention series. The museum store will be open with a curated selection of books, artisan crafts, and pre-sealed, locally sourced maple syrup available for purchase.
Maple Day — Outdoor Sugaring & Stories
What to expect
- Outdoor demonstrations: Historic interpreter Dennis Picard will tap a maple tree and evaporate sap in kettles over a wood fire, sharing techniques, seasonal context, and stories that bring New England sugaring to life. Demonstrations run continuously throughout the afternoon.
- Historic house tours & indoor demos: Staff-led house tours interpret the seasonal rhythms of colonial and Revolutionary-era life. Tours run periodically (30–45 minutes). Inside the museum, enjoy additional demonstrations and family activities in the Spear Classroom and Whitman Tavern.
- Galleries: View Roots & Reflections by Rachel & John O’Shaughnessy and related works in the Spear Community Arts Gallery and Whitman Tavern.
- Shop & sales table: The museum store is open all afternoon; a sales table near the demonstration area will offer locally sourced, pre-sealed maple syrup and related merchandise.
- Please note: This is an interpretive program — no tastings or food sampling will be provided.
Practical information
- Program time: 12:00–4:00 PM.
- Outdoor demos: Drop-in and ongoing — demonstrations run continuously in front of the museum.
- Indoor activities: Drop-in family activities and galleries available all afternoon.
- House tours: Periodic, ~30–45 minutes; last tour begins at 3:30 PM. Tickets at the Welcome Center on arrival only.
- Arrival & viewing: For best sightlines, arrive early. Staff will manage access and sightlines around the demonstration area.
- Safety & fire-watch: A dedicated fire-watch will be on duty for the duration of the demonstrations. Please supervise children and remain behind barriers near the fire.
- Admission & RSVP: Outdoor demos and indoor galleries are free. Donations are welcome. We recommend reserving a free RSVP so we can send event updates and capacity notices.
- Weather: Most programming is outdoors — dress appropriately. If conditions force a change or cancellation, updates will be posted to the event page and social channels.
- Accessibility: Stanley-Whitman House strives to make programs accessible to all. For accommodation requests or questions, contact .
Admission & donations
Outdoor demonstrations (Dennis Picard): Free to attend; donations gratefully accepted at the Welcome Center or online.
Indoor galleries & family activities (Spear Classroom & Whitman Tavern): Free and open to all.
Historic House Tours: Members — always free. Non-member rates:
- Adults (18–61) — $14
- Seniors (62+) — $12
- AAA Members — $12 (please show AAA card at check-in)
- Students (ages 6–17 & college students with valid ID) — $12
- Children (ages 5 and under, accompanied by an adult) — Free
Tours run periodically (30–45 minutes); the last tour begins at 3:30 PM. House-tour tickets are sold at the Welcome Center on arrival — we do not sell tour tickets online.
Ongoing access — SNAP/EBT: Visitors presenting a valid SNAP/EBT card and photo ID receive complimentary house-tour admission for the cardholder and accompanying household members. Staff will verify cards discreetly and record only the visitor’s name and party size. If presenting ID is a concern, staff will assist privately.
Blue Star Museums (year-round): Free admission for active-duty military personnel and their families.
Spear Community Arts Gallery: Free.
If you need a reduced admission, an accessibility accommodation, or assistance, contact .
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Stanley-Whitman House, 37 High Street, Farmington, United States
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