"There is a Buttonwood Tree on Wall Street that presided over the start of the New York Stock Exchange. There is the Pringle tree that offered a haven to two brothers conscripted into a war they did not wish to fight. There is a Willow Oak in Maryland that bore witness to the Battle of Bladensburg in 1814. A Callery Pear Tree was rescued from the rubble of the 9/11 attack. This tree was nurtured and returned to the memorial as a symbol of hope, resilience, and restoration. Our young country will soon be celebrating its 250th birthday and telling our stories, reflecting on the historical moments, and preserving these experiences is one way to celebrate this milestone." Read "Can I Get a Witness?" by Maria Bray, AFNHA Heritage Programs & Operations Manager: https://www.appalachianforestnha.org/america250-in-the-appalachian-forest-stories/can-i-get-a-witness-americas-witness-protection-trees Do you know of a tree that has seen generations of life pass it by? Tell its story here: stories@afnha.org. (fb)

We're excited to share that our partners at the Beverly Heritage Center are continuing their historic lantern tours this evening! Meet the group at the Heritage Center at 7 PM today, October 17th, or tomorrow, October 18th, to see historic Beverly in an entirely new light. ✨ (fb)