Friends of Minute Man National Park

Kudos go out to our ten Bucket Brigade team members (plus Rosie the dog) for being friendly faces at the 2010 Battle Road event at Minute Man National Historical Park today! They braved the chilly weather and intermittent drizzle to talk with visitors, hand out membership information, collect donations and reward donors with stickers!

Thank you to Adrienne Beaver for taking our photo!

I’m thrilled to report that the Bucket Brigade raised just over $600 in donations, plus we received two new memberships at the event. In addition, the bucket brigade team members handed out over 400 stickers and nearly that many membership discount cards. That’s a lot more people who are now familiar with the Friends and if you were one of the many visitors that helped the Friends today, thank you!

It was wonderful to connect with so many visitors to the park, many of whom were local and very enthusiastic despite the inclement weather. The Friends website (www.friendsofminuteman.org/br2010) will feature the Battle Road 2010 discount membership promotion through next weekend and we look forward to welcoming many new Friends to our community!

The Colonial Tavern Dinner held on April 14th at the park’s historic Noah Brooks Tavern was a rousing success.  Guests enjoyed colonial-themed appetizers and rum punch while listening to colonial music and playing historic parlor games of chance.  This was followed by a gala dinner.  Many thanks to the committee who put this wonderful event together: Membership Director Carrie Midura, Brigid Kennedy-Pfister, Pat Costello, Frances Sacco, Edward Treace, Jennifer Voss, and park Superintendent Nancy Nelson.

Thanks are also extended to our 18th century volunteers, Jeremy & Nancy Bell, Eric Chetwynd,  Shane Clarke, Jane Coughlin, Erin Johnston, Lorien Moore, Kimball Tarr, and Dan Voss for adding a true colonial flavor and spirit to the event. We were also delighted to have Short Order Gourmet as the caterer for the evening and West Concord Liquors provided the refreshments, including an evening port tasting. Floral Fantasies of Tyngsboro prepared the stunning floral and fruit decor and Upstairs Antiques loaned several sets of brass candlesticks just for the event. Thank you to one and all for making the event a success.

Membership Director Carrie Midura welcomes Barbara Buchan and Jane Herlacher

Jane Coughlin and Laurien Moore take a break from serving

The Bells with Superintendent Nelson

William Hill, Jane Adams and Punchmaster Jeremy Bell

Musicians Eric Chetwynd, Erin Johnston, Nancy Bell and Friends President Bob Morris

Neil Rasmussen and Anna West Winter try their luck with Gaming Master Kimball Tarr

Guests enjoying the first course.

Warmth and enjoyment emanated into the night.

The forecast may be for rain but that won’t stop the hundreds of volunteers and visitors who will be on site at Minute Man National Historical Park this weekend! For complete details about all the events on Saturday, Sunday & Monday, visit the Park’s event calendar or the all inclusive BattleRoad.org website.

On Saturday, there will be something all new this year – the Friends of Minute Man National Park will be there with a corps of volunteers ready to talk with visitors and let them how the Park can be supported through donations, volunteerism, and membership with the Friends. Look for the volunteers wearing bright orange t-shirts and carrying orange buckets between Hartwell Tavern and Smith House on Saturday, April 17th.

We’ll be there from 10am – 3pm and would love to make some new friends! And for every donation we receive, we’ll give the donor a sticker to show that they have helped!

So, come find the Friends and show your support at Battle Road 2010. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!