Historical Society of Glastonbury Presents Maple Sugar Madness

A Demonstration of Maple Syrup Making Using Modern Tools

Nothing compliments hot off the griddle pancakes, waffles, or French toast better than warm, freshly tapped and natural maple syrup.  Sorry Aunt Jemima and Mrs. Butterworth, but your processed corn syrup, water and sugar aka “maple syrup,” doesn’t hold a candle to fresh natural maple sap that comes straight from the tree.

On Sunday, March 9, you’ll have your chance to see how REAL maple syrup is made.  From 1 to 4 p.m. at the Welles-Shipman-Ward House in South Glastonbury, The Historical Society of Glastonbury (HSG) brings you Maple Sugar Madness: A Demonstration of Maple Syrup Making Using Modern Tools.  Glastonbury native Mark Packard will take you through the maple sugar making process. 

In past years, maple syrup making connoisseur Mark Packard would bring concrete cinder blocks to the Welles-Shipman-Ward House and create a fire pit solely for this one-day maple sugaring event.  This year, attendees will be the first to check out the Historical Society’s newly constructed, permanent granite fire pit.  One of the hardest working and most dedicated committees the Society is proud to call their own, is the facilities committee.  These gentleman hand built the new fire pit.

Four large granite stones donated by Tower Hill Granite were used for the sides of the fire pit.  The stones are 6’8” long, 20” high and 7” thick, and weigh in at approximately 1,100lbs! The committee did their research and made sure to procure fire brick, mortar, and process stone to line the interior of the pit to keep from cracking the stone.

Along with the watching the sap transform as it boils in a large 2’x4’ pan, on the newly built granite fire pit, you will be able to explore the property and check out the sugar bush on the hill where the trees are tapped.   You’ll get to learn and see first hand how delicious maple syrup transforms from sap from a tree to syrup  and ask any questions you may have along the way.

The sap that is prepared and boiled during the demonstration won’t complete while you’re there.  BUT inside the Welles-Shipman-Ward House, pancakes will be cooked on the open hearth using an 18th century “receipt” and served with authentic native syrup – so you will get a taste of the final product.

This is a great family event!  All ages are welcome.  Admission is only $5 per person and Free to HSG members.  Rain date is Sunday, March 16th.  Please check the website or our Facebook page for more information and the most current updates on this event. 

If you’d like more information, or to schedule an interview, please call the Historical Society of Glastonbury at 860-633-6890 or email HSGlastonbury@sbcglobal.net.

The Historical Society of Glastonbury is a non-profit organization located at the Museum on Hubbard Green open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9:00a.m – 4:00p.m, and the third Sunday of every month. Admission is FREE.
The Welles-Shipman-Ward House Museum in South Glastonbury, also run by HSG, is open for special events throughout the year and Tuesdays during the summer months.

The Historical Society of Glastonbury strives to educate through the preservation and promotion of Glastonbury’s extraordinary historical legacy. They have been instrumental in preserving and maintaining historic properties and a driving force in establishing five National Registered Historic Districts (NRHD), as well as a Local Historic District. Support comes from primarily over 430 member households, local businesses, foundations, donations, events and the State and Town.  Visit the Historical Society of Glastonbury at www.hsgct.org and on Facebook.