New walking tour to teach about tri-town history

May 31, 2019

New tri-town walking tours will enable residents and visitors to experience a piece of history and meet others this June. 

Dr. Elise Frangos, Marion resident and assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for the Old Rochester Regional School District, and Erin Bednarczyk, of Rochester are leaders of the “Healthy, Safe and Respectful Relationships” group of the Healthy Tri-town Coalition. They are co-sponsoring community walks with the Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester Historical Societies.

Three intergenerational June walks are planned to help residents of all ages connect with histories of the three towns. Frangos believes that the experience of walking through history may help local children, newcomers and interested residents understand the rich history of the towns and become more civically involved, interested in community preservation and consider being a part of their historical societies. 

“These gentle, non-athletic walks, led by historical society experts, will forge new relationships and showcase the incredible beauty and rich histories of our sister towns,” Frangos said. 

The walks are limited to 30 participants. The first walk will take place on June 15 from 10  to 11 a.m. Marion history expert and author of six books, Judith Rosbe, will lead the walk starting at the Sippican Historical Society (141 Front Street).

Rosbe will lead participants to the Dr. Walton Nye and Ellis homes, the group will proceed down Main, Water and South Streets and will end with cookies in the Historical Society’s Memorial Garden.

The second history walk will talk place in Mattapoisett on June 23 from 10 to 11 a.m. Jennifer McIntire, Mattapoisett Historical Society President, will start the group at the Mattapoisett Museum and lead participants to the waterfront. Walkers will learn the history of Shipyard Park and see other points of interest.

The final walk will take place on June 29 from 10 to 11 a.m. and highlight Rochester history. It will be led by two Historical Society members: Secretary, Susan Lefleur and Vice President, Connie Eschbach. The group will meet at the Plumb Corner parking lot, 555 Marion Rd.

Stops will include the Congregational Church, Academy Building, Rochester Town Hall, and the cemetery where the headstones of prominent Rochester residents continue to tell the story of the town.

To reserve a place on the Rochester walk, email Bednarczyk at erinbednarczyk@oldrochester.org. Email Dr. Frangos at elisefrangos@oldrochester.org to reserve a space in the Marion or Mattapoisett walk.