Storrowton Village Museum celebrates all things maple on Maple Harvest Day every year in mid-March. The annual event highlights the history and tradition of maple sugaring in New England with docent-led tours and 19th century craft demos available in the Gilbert Farmhouse from 10am to 1pm. The West Springfield Lions Club will flip pancakes, served with pure Ferrindino maple syrup, in the Village’s red Greenwich Barn from 10am to noon. Plates include a side of sausages and coffee or juice. All proceeds from the pancake breakfast will be donated to Storrowton’s educational programs.
From the Native Americans establishing sugar camps to the breakfasts at sugar houses today, maple syrup has always been integral to New England heritage. Early settlers learned how to make maple sugar from the Native Americans and set up sugar camps where the maple trees were most plentiful. It was a very important source of sugar that could not only be homemade, but traded or sold. This product that has always required an incredible amount of time and labor remains a staple of New England.
Visitors will get to watch as the historic Gilbert Farmhouse is turned into a sugarhouse for the day. They will learn how the “liquid gold” is made, from tree tapping to sap boiling, and watch 19th century open hearth cooking demonstrations of maple recipes. Visitors will get the unique opportunity to tour the second floor of the farmhouse, which is open only once a year, featuring three bedrooms and a workroom. Under a heated tent, Ferrindino Maple will be offering not only educational tastings of maple syrup, but also several of their products for sale.
The Farmers Market and Wine Café
The Eastern States Farmers Market and Wine Café will be open during the event, and will feature a variety of maple products, apparel and hot wine and wine slushies from the Wine Café. Trolley rides to and from the Farmers Market will be offered to visitors.
Storrowton Tavern Maple-Themed Luncheon
Across the green, Storrowton Tavern will feature special maple-themed items alongside their regular lunch menu. The infused dishes include a maple vinaigrette for garden salads, maple glazed salmon with a maple infused butternut squash, and a maple walnut ice cream puff. Reservations are not required, but recommended. For a full look at the Tavern’s weekend luncheon menu, please visit www.Storrowton.com.
Photography will be allowed throughout the event. Dress in layers and wear sensible shoes. The Gilbert Farmhouse is not wheelchair accessible. In case of severe weather, the event will be cancelled. For more information, please call Storrowton Village Museum at (413) 205-5052 or check Storrowton Village’s social media for updates.