Celebrating Together at Liberty Farm

Since 1999 Rick and I have been the proud owners of Liberty Farm, the home of Abby Kelley Foster and Stephen Foster. Over the years we've had the opportunity to open the home to many people: school groups, college classes, scholars, actors, historians, activists, Red Hat Society groups, Girl Scout troops and even a Japanese PBS station. It's been awesome meeting so many diverse and wonderful people. 

The most recent event was held on May 21, 2016. All were invited to Liberty Farm to celebrate Abby Kelley Foster's legacy and 40 years of Abby's House. It was a festive afternoon where visitors engaged in activities of the period: writing with a quill pen, stitching quilt squares, creating beautiful paper pieces through the art of quilling and playing with the 19th century toys. 

People came to celebrate Abby‟s legacy and the shelter that so proudly carries her name. For guests, walking on the grounds was like stepping back in time and feeling the spirit and strength of Abby. Visitors even got to meet “Abby” and her husband Stephen, portrayed by Lynne McKenney Lydick and Tom Lydick. Ranger Chuck Arning captivated the group with stories that connected Abby‟s goals and ambitions, her place in history and the fortunate coincidence that this piece of history (HERstory) happens to be in Worcester, MA. Ann Marie Shea represented the WWHP and welcomed guests with her remarks. Annette Rafferty spoke about the establishment and importance of Abby‟s House, a shelter that offers safe housing and advocacy for those in need. Stephanie Page, Executive Director of Abby‟s House, spoke also. My friends- whenever you are here at Liberty Farm my heart fills with joy and love — for that is what radiates from you and fills the space around us. 

Heartfelt thanks to all those who made this celebration possible: organizers of the event from Abby's House and WWHP, volunteers, those who were at the activity stations, and tour guides. Thank you, Jean Anger, for coordinating the many volunteers who helped us prepare and beautify the yard in advance including Deb Gagnon from Country Bank, who coordinated some of yard crew. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the worker bees! And of course, thank you to all who came and enjoyed.

Liberty Farm is for sale.