Brown Bag Speaker Series at Hitchcock Academy

Discovering the Legacy of Steerage Rock:
Brown Bag Speaker Series Continues at Hitchcock
 
BRIMFIELD – Steerage Rock is the symbol of the town of Brimfield as well as an iconic historical landmark. Its image is on the town seal, the town flag, town letterhead, town “welcome” signs, town memorabilia, and on a historical marker on the town common. Its likeness is everywhere in Brimfield, “hiding” in plain sight. The only place you cannot see it is in person, where it rests today on private property.
 
Steerage Rock is a large glacial erratic that has remained perched on the highest elevation of the Eastern Waddaquodduck range in Brimfield for thousands of years. A silent witness to history, Steerage Rock became a landmark that “steered” indigenous people as a way point along the Bay Path and led early pioneers who came to settle the land west of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It has inspired legends such as the possible visitation of King Philip himself before and during “King Philip’s War”. It has been the subject of confusion when many claimed to have the right to access this special place, only to find that they didn’t. How much do we REALLY know about the history and legacy of Steerage Rock?
 
On April 30, local Brimfield Historical Commission member Sue DeBruin will showcase Steerage Rock and delve into its role in local history. “The significant role that one rock and one mountain’s summit played in this region’s history spans centuries and crosses cultural boundaries,” says Sue. “I’m thrilled to share this story and highlight why it remains a vital part of Brimfield’s heritage- one that truly deserves local recognition through the telling of its story.”
 
Once a guidepost to people on the move, Steerage Rock and the land at the summit eventually became a recreational area and the location of a state fire tower lookout. It was open to and enjoyed by the public for about 85 years, but like all good things it came to an end, sparking public outcry.
 
Is Steerage Rock's story finished? Yes and no. Join us at Hitchcock to learn more and share your experiences or memories if you've visited. We'll discuss its history from a crucial landmark to a scenic spot, now challenging to believe without seeing
 
Registration is required. The fee for the talk is $10. An optional lunch can be purchased for an additional $10 fee and will be served at 12pm. This will include a half sandwich, soup, and beverage. Attendees are also welcome to bring in a lunch. The talk will begin at 12:30pm. Registration for the lunch option will close at 12pm on Wednesday, April 29^th. Visit www.hitchcockacademy.org for more information and to register.
 
Sue DeBruin currently serves as the Chairperson of the Brimfield Historical Commission. She has been a member of the board for seven years, volunteering her time on several large and small-scale projects. She is a member of the Sturbridge Gravestone Keepers and is a new member of the Sturbridge Historical Society. Sue has volunteered for the Historical Society of Middletown in New York State, where she has worked as a scriptwriter for their annual cemetery tour. She resides Brimfield with her husband and three children, where they work to preserve and maintain the Boorman House in Dingley Dell, the former site of a 1732 grist mill which, centuries later, became the Hot Air Balloon School of local legend, Dr. Clayton Thomas.
 
Hitchcock Academy is a community center located at 2 Brookfield Road in Brimfield serving the community with educational, recreational, and cultural programming. More information can be found at www.hitchcockacademy.org.