By Anna Skinner
Westfield residents will have the chance to experience scenes from Westfield’s history being acted out live on Sept. 11 starting at 5 p.m. and Sept. 12 starting at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Voices From the Past will be a 90-minute history walk through the city beginning at Asa Bales Park, 205 W. Hoover St.
The seven different moments being acted out will include the Horton home, a stop on the Underground Railroad; the Westfield Orphanage; the Doan’s family moving to Westfield to avoid slavery and their distress in their son participating in the Civil War; the Stalker family purchase of Westfield; a missionary and her letter to a Westfield resident; a member of the Stalker family going on a missionary trip to Africa and the impact of one of the Westfield Orphanage orphans on Westfield.
Communications Director Erin Murphy said last year, the event sold out.
“As a department of the city, Westfield Parks and Recreation believes in the preservation of Westfield’s incredible history,” Murphy said. “This is particularly important as our community grows … Hopefully this event will offer residents a better (understanding of) the meaning behind some of the names of our city parks as well as pique their interest in learning more as we plan to add more historical programing and events to our schedule.”
Murphy said Westfield Playhouse is a partner of the event, and that it takes about nine months to put the event on.
“Voices from the Past provides residents a peak at some of Westfield’s rich history,” said Melody Jones, director of Westfield Parks and Recreation. “Westfield is a growing community with the highest percentage of families in the state. This event is a perfect tool for families and residents to learn more about the community, but also for visitors to have a better understanding of Westfield’s role in state history.”
Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for ages 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.westfield.in.gov/ or in person at the Westfield City Services Center, 2728 E. 171st St.
