Thoreau's Cape Cod Readathon

Barnstable Land Trust (BLT), in honor of its 40th Anniversary, proudly presents the first ever Thoreau’s Cape Cod Readathon happening from 10 am to 3 pm, October 7th and 8th.  Shuttle bus service will be provided so that the public can enjoy the readathon first-hand, hike the trails, picnic, and engage with other conservation and community partners. The two-day event will also be live-streamed on BLT’s website. Sponsored by the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation and with support from the Mass Cultural Council, the event will feature an estimated 90 community readers, over two five-hours days at the Michael R. Kramer Center, a new post and beam barn on BLT’s Fuller Farm property in Marstons Mills.  This special event celebrates Thoreau’s iconic work describing the natural beauty of Cape Cod and invites the public to contemplate how his depiction of the environment and Cape Cod life has changed over time.

Leading up to the readathon, over 13 Thoreau-linked programs including a virtual reading circle led by The Waldon Woods Project, talks (history of saltworks, photography, author readings), walks (wildflowers, wildlife, cultural history), workshops (journaling), and special events (art exhibit featuring local artists, literary discussions) as they relate to Thoreau’s well-known book. Some programs are being offered as part of the “Celebrating Thoreau from Concord to Cape Cod” collaboration, a partnership with the Town of Concord (MA), The Walden Woods Project, Thoreau Farm, and The Thoreau Society.  The programs and weekend events are supported by over 30 business and community partners.