The Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Mattapoisett Museum are happy to announce the Great Community Picnic will take place this year at Munro Preserve on Mattapoisett Harbor on August 3, 2023, at 5:30 PM. The rain date is August 10.

We provide tables, chairs, tablecloths, a beautiful location, and live music. You provide a picnic dinner and a memorable night with your family and friends. All proceeds go to support the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Mattapoisett Museum.

Tables are available for groups of four ($160), six ($240), eight ($320), and ten ($400) people.

New this year is the Community Table for those that want to attend the picnic but don't have enough guests to fill a whole table. Each ticket is $40, and you will be seated with others who have also purchased a Community Table ticket. Who knows, you might meet your new best friend at this event!

Along with the ticket purchase, you will have the option to donate a little extra to help both organizations.

If you can't attend and you still want to support this event, you have the option of sponsoring a community table. Your name will be included on the seating chart and the table as a sponsor.

About Mattapoisett Land Trust

In 1974, with growing concerns worldwide about the quality of the environment, eleven citizens of Mattapoisett, concerned about the rate of development in the town as well as its effects on native flora and fauna, formed a non-profit organization with three primary goals:

To acquire and preserve natural resources and wildlife areas for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations
To educate the public about the wise use of natural resources
To work with other organizations having similar purposes

They quickly built the membership to 200 concerned citizens and later that year received their first donation of land from Mrs. Joan Woodcock, a 17-acre parcel on Long Plain Road.

The deed, like many that would later transfer property to the Land Trust, included a restriction that the land be used only for conservation purposes “in perpetuity”.

After over forty years, and with the contributions of hundreds of Mattapoisett residents and visitors, the Mattapoisett Land Trust now holds properties totaling more than 900 acres.

THE GROWTH OF THE ORGANIZATION HAS NOT CHANGED ITS THREE GOALS, HOWEVER.

The increased pressure for development on the SouthCoast, with its adverse effects on the biodiversity of the area, as well as on the habitats in Buzzards Bay, has convinced us that these goals are as relevant today as they were in 1974.

The Mattapoisett Land Trust is an all-volunteer organization and relies largely on individual memberships and donations. Funds are needed to support the stewardship of our properties, the acquisition of new conservation lands, and our educational programs. Please become a member or make a donation and join our fellow citizens who have nourished our efforts for more than 40 years.

About the Mattapoisett Museum

The early story of the founding of the Mattapoisett Museum was recorded by Minerva Sparrow in 1959. She credits Lemuel LeBaron Dexter’s interest in Mattapoisett's history and his dedication to collecting as the seeds of the founding of the Historical Society.

Mr. Dexter entrusted his collection of logbooks, wills, trusts, deeds, etc., to Francis Rowland. In 1958, Mr. Rowland floated the idea of founding a historical society to Ms. Sparrow. The Mattapoisett Historical Society was founded on May 19, 1958.

Just when the historical society was hunting for a home for their museum, the Faunce’s attorney was seeking to create a trustee board to manage the funds left to preserve the “Old Baptist Church.” A mutually beneficial relationship was established from the outset. The historical society opened a museum at 5 Church Street in 1959. Charles Mendell became society’s first curator in 1960.

Mission:

The Mattapoisett Museum is a vibrant place of learning and community activities.

We collaborate and partner with surrounding communities to provide a place of learning and sharing.

We collect, maintain and make available for use cultural and historical materials relating to Mattapoisett's heritage.

We create a welcoming place for all people of all ages.

Mattapoisett museum is mostly a volunteer-run organization; the museum currently has one part-time staff member. Grants, museum admission, membership, and donations support us. Money raised through the Community Picnic will help fund additional programs and general operating expenses.

Photos by: Maggie by the Millimeter

The Great Community Picnic

Benefiting the Mattapoisett Land Trust & Mattapoisett Museum