Brunswick Town Commons 300th Anniversary
The Brunswick Town Commons has experienced 300 years of change. It has felt the weight of countless feet and influenced the lives of generations of families that call Brunswick home. Beginning on April 23rd the Town of Brunswick will begin a 7-week celebration of the 300th Anniversary of The Commons, one of the very oldest conserved open spaces in Maine. In May of 1719 the Pejepscot Company “granted one thousand acres of land to ly in general comonage.” Over the time pieces of the property have been repurposed for other use, most notably by the US Navy in order to build the former naval air station and by Bowdoin College. The current property offers over 71 acres with numerous trails running through diverse and ecologically unique terrain. The Brunswick Town Commons also frequently serving as a community recreation space and outdoor classroom for Brunswick schools.
The celebration has been organized by The Town Commons Committee, the Pejepscot Historical Society, the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, Brunswick Parks and Recreation Department, and the Brunswick High School Film Class, with each group organizing activities that recognize the different roles the property plays in the community. These groups have worked to produce the celebration honoring The Commons because it is ”not only of local, but also state and national, significance. It is one of the first public lands established in Maine. It is an example of early urban planning in the state and it remains a window to the past, a popular recreation destination, and a living laboratory” says community member and organizer Jym St. Pierre.
The 300th Celebration events span mid-April through Mid-June and includes a film about the property made by Brunswick High School students, a commemorative postage stamp release, a 5K, history exhibits and various guided walks highlighting different ways to experience the Commons. May 19th will be the highlight of the seven weeks of events, with a full day of activities including an anniversary ceremony. The full schedule can be found below. A map of the property can be found on the Town’s website at this link.
2019 Events Schedule
April 23 6:30 PM
“Uncommon Ground” – Premier of video documentary by BHS Film Department & “Brunswick Celebrates 300 Years of Its Town Commons” – Talk by Jym St. Pierre
At Brunswick High School, Crooker Theater
View the opening premier of a Town Commons documentary. The compelling narrative is supported by powerful imagery that captures the essence of this special place. This will be followed by a history salon where environmental historian Jym St. Pierre will share the results of his year-long research to chronicle the past of this bequest laid out for the “…General & perpetual Commonage…” of the Town of Brunswick.
April 28 1:00 PM
Wildlife Walking Tour – Ben Wilson and Scout Masse
At Brunswick Town Commons
Ever get the feeling you are not alone when walking in the woods? Well, if it happens to be while on the Brunswick Town Commons you’re probably correct. A recent study has revealed a diverse and abundant population of wildlife on this special parcel that was thoughtfully preserved at the very beginning of the town’s history. Our two researchers will guide a tour through the Commons and share their remarkable findings.
May 1 12-1 PM
What is the Brunswick Town Commons? – Talk by Fred Koerber
At Pejepscot Historical Society
Get all the facts about the Town Commons at this introductory talk by Fred Koerber, retired Brunswick High School history teacher, former PHS trustee, and practicing archaeologist. Entrance by donation. Bring a lunch; cookies and beverages provided.
May 5 7:30 AM
Bird Walking Tour – Dale Dorr
At Brunswick Town Commons
Dale Dorr will lead a walk through the Brunswick Town Commons. Please join us for this early migration walk in Brunswick’s Town Commons with its mix of vernal pools, pitch pine stands and old fields. This time in the season it is uncertain which species will have made the migration to mid coast Maine, but the Commons have had nesting hawk and owl families in the past and should produce a good mix of the hardier species of songbirds.
May 12 1:00 PM
Botanical Walking Tour – Eben Baker
At Brunswick Town Commons
The Brunswick Town Commons are comprised of unique natural plant communities including Pitch Pine Barrens, a state-listed rare natural community. The walk will explore the transitions between common Oak-Pine forests, Pitch Pine Barrens, and a small Pitch pine-heath bog found on the Commons. Expect to see fringed milkwort (Polygala paucifola), pink lady’s-slipper (Cypripedium acaule), and other spring ephemerals during this walk. Hiking boots and bug spray are recommended.
May 20 9-11:00 AM
US Postal Stamp Commemorative Cancellation
At Brunswick Town Hall; Council Chambers, 85 Union Street
An official commemorative US stamp cancelation hallmark, noting the 300th anniversary of the Town Commons, will be available for this brief period of time. For those with a passion for philately or those who just wish to have a special Brunswick heritage keepsake, don’t miss this opportunity.
June 2 1:00 PM
The Commons and Brunswick’s Aviation History – Talk by Fred Koerber
At Brunswick Naval Museum and Gardens, 179 Admiral Fitch Avenue
The Town’s second municipal airport opened in 1934 on a large portion of the Town Commons. World events transformed it from its modest beginnings to a vast and strategic military complex. The impact of Naval Air Station Brunswick on the local community has been profound. This talk will trace Brunswick’s unique aviation history and the role that the Town Commons played in shaping that past.
June 9 1:00 PM
Tree Walking Tour – Jesse Bishop
At Brunswick Town Commons
On this walking tour, you will be introduced to the trees and shrubs found in the Town Commons and learn what they can tell you about the history of the landscape. You will encounter species that are commonly found across Maine and glimpse a globally-rare ecosystem. Along the way, you’ll learn tips and tricks that will enable you to identify trees as you go out and explore the Maine woods.
May 19 300th Anniversary Formal Town Commons Ceremony
at Brunswick Town Commons
7:00 AM
Bird Walking Tour – John Berry and Gordon Smith
at Brunswick Town Commons
Gordon Smith and John Berry will co-lead a walk at the Brunswick Town Commons to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the establishment of the Brunswick Town Commons. This bird walk will be done on easy paths (up to 3 miles total). We will observe a variety of plants, wildlife, and migrating songbirds. 7AM start time. For more information, call Gordon Smith at 725-0282.
9:00 AM
Run for the Commons – Blaine Moore.
At Brunswick Town Commons
Come and enjoy this College to Commons course that starts at Bowdoin’s Watson Arena, winds through the Greater Commons and then loops the Town Commons before returning to the staring area. Participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Click here to sign up!
10:00 AM
Tree Walking Tour – Jesse Bishop
At Brunswick Town Commons
Come celebrate Arbor Week at the Brunswick Town Commons with the Brunswick Tree Committee. On this walking tour, you will be introduced to the trees and shrubs found in the Town Commons and learn what they can tell you about the history of the landscape. You will encounter species that are commonly found across Maine and glimpse a globally-rare ecosystem. Along the way, you’ll learn tips and tricks that will enable you to identify trees as you go out and explore the Maine woods.
12:30 PM Formal Ceremony
- Welcome and Introductory Remarks by Brunswick Town Council
- Brief History of the Commons by Jym St. Pierre
- Reading of Declarations:
– May 8th , 1719 (o.s) Pejepscot Proprietors Statement by Larissa Vigue Picard, Executive Director, Pejepscot Historical Society
– 1968 Selectmen Historic Landmark Designation by Angela Twitchell, Executive Director, Brunswick Topsham Land Trust
– 2019 Maine Legislature Recognition - Town Commons Poetry Reading
- Ribbon Cutting by Honorary Chair
- Closing Comments by Brunswick Town Council
2:00 PM
Formal Opening of the Brunswick Commons Exhibit – Jym St. Pierre
at Pejepscot Historical Society, 159 Park Row
Come see this dynamic and informative banner display that tells the story of the Brunswick Town Commons through the ages. Chat with creator Jym St. Pierre who has spent nearly a year researching the fascinating role that the Commons has played in shaping the community of Brunswick.
5:30 PM
Wildlife Walking Tour – Ben Wilson and Scout Masse
At Brunswick Town Commons
Ever get the feeling you are not alone when walking in the woods? Well, if it happens to be while in the Brunswick Town Commons you’re probably correct. A recent study has revealed a diverse and abundant population of wildlife on this special parcel that was thoughtfully preserved at the very beginning of the town’s history. Our two researchers will guide a tour through the Commons and share their remarkable findings.
