Bedford Historical Society "Profiles in Preservation: The Art of Dry Stone Walls"

 “Profiles in Preservation:  The Art of Dry Stone
Walls” will be featured at the Bedford Historical Society’s annual meeting, to be held on Wednesday, May 9^th at Historical Hall on the Bedford Village Green.  A highlight of the evening will be a presentation by Bedford’s Susan Allport and Andrew Pighills, acclaimed stonewall artisans and experts on the history, construction and preservation of dry laid stone, with special attention to the historic stone walls of Bedford.

Susan Allport is the author of several books including Sermons in Stone: The Stone Walls of New England and New York, in which she explores the history of stone walls and their builders from modest colonial enclosures to modern day “walls of affluence.” 
Andrew Pighills, a dry stone wall craftsman and North American representative of The Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain is originally from Yorkshire, England and now lives in south east Connecticut.  A stone mason who relies on gravity and friction instead of mortar, Mr. Pighills is often referred to as the “Master of the Stone Wall” and teaches workshops specializing in dry stone
walling.  In addition to his stone wall expertise, he is a horticulturist who received his formal training with the
Royal Horticultural Society.   His company, English
Gardens and Landscaping, has designed and
installed highly regarded residential gardens and landscapes throughout the United States and England.  The presentation will include images of his award
winning designs as well as insights on Bedford’s
celebrated stone walls.

A wine and cheese reception will be held at 6:30pm
followed by the brief annual meeting and presentation.

Historical Hall is located at 608 Old Post Road on the Bedford Village Green.  The event is free for members and $25 for non-members.   For reservations and
further information please contact the Bedford Historical Society, (914) 234-9751, or visit www.bedfordhistoricalsociety.org

Founded in 1916, the Bedford Historical Society is a non-profit, educational organization committed to preserving Bedford’s historic Town and original Village Green.  The Society owns and maintains ten historic
properties, including three museums, and celebrates Bedford’s history through community events as well as collaborating with local organizations to preserve Bedford’s historic and scenic landscapes.