WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield History Museum’s Open House on Sunday was very successful with many interested visitors from senior citizens to young families. The Museum was also the recipient of some precious and fascinating gifts.
Andy McRae donated Red Men’s Bank headdresses and uniforms that had belonged to his brothers. The headdresses and uniform pieces had been hand beaded by Ruth Bayrd, wife of Leonard Bayrd, proprietor of the Bayrd Trading Post. Andy remembers that one of his brothers had been in the group that flew down to Philadelphia to take part in a parade in front of Independence Hall when President Ford was visiting and wore one of the headdresses that day. The uniforms had been treasured by the family and are in great condition.
William John (Bill) Nasella donated many photographs and artifacts including the Purple Heart and other medals which had related to his family member Henry J. Nasella who was killed in World War One and for whom Nasella Playground was named.
Also donated were WHS class photos and a pin from the Order of Red Men by Betty Dougwillo and a collection of images and slides relating to the fire at the old High School by the family of Jim and Sarah Murphy.
All the donated items will be catalogued and carefully stored at the Museum so that they can be displayed in later exhibits. The Museum will focus on a Civil War Exhibit to open on May 31 when the Civil War Monument is re-dedicated by the Town of Wakefield. A full schedule of spring Open House Dates will be posted on the Historical Society’s website in January.