Town to Recognize Improvements on Historic Site and Celebrate Flag Day, June 14th

Weymouth, MA – Mayor Robert Hedlund will join students from Seach Primary School, members of the Weymouth Historical Commission, and Weymouth 400th Committee on Friday, June 14th to commemorate Phase I of the “Heritage Park” project, including the renovation and installation of a new flag pole at the site. The ceremony will celebrate Flag Day and include brief remarks about the importance of the site, the singing of “You’re a Grand Old Flag” by students from Seach Primary School, a citation about the importance of Flag Day from Weymouth Girl Scout Troop #88067, and conclude with the raising of the flag by Weymouth Boy Scout Troop #9.

The park located at the corner of Middle and Washington Street, is part of the “Heritage Park” project that is underway as Weymouth prepares for its 400th celebration. This first Phase was completed thanks to donations and support from businesses, allowing for the installation of the flag pole and renovation of the site. In Phase I, the park is being referred to as “Heritage Park” while additional work is completed. Additional phases of the project will continue as donations allow, and culminate in a formal dedication in 2022 along with the official naming of the site.

This site is of great significance to Weymouth, as it marks the geographical center of town and is home to many historic events. A plaque was erected on the site in 1930 to denote the last attack on Weymouth by forces of King Philip as troops attempted to advance toward Boston. King Philip’s War was an armed conflict between the Wampanoag tribe and New England Colonists that began in 1675. It is noted that engagement between the colonists and King Philip’s forces took place near the site of “Heritage Park”.

In addition, the Weymouth Town House was erected on the site in 1852. This building served as the town offices and the first high school in Weymouth convened here in 1853. The Town House also was host to many local events until it was moved to the site of the current police station in 1906-1907. The Town House building burned down in 1914.  

The Flag Day event will celebrate both the importance of the site as well as Flag Day. Phase I renovations on the park were completed as part of Mayor Hedlund’s initiative to improve public parks and open spaces in Town, and will enhance both the site as well as access and use for residents. The Weymouth Department of Public Works completed site work including grading and landscaping. Funds for the project came from the Mayor’s beautification fund which receives donations from Weymouth businesses. In addition, BETA Group Inc., provided engineering services at a reduced rate, allowing the Town to complete the work. The flag and flag pole were donated by the Town’s waste management company, EZ Disposal. Local support and donations will be critical to the completion of future phases of the project, as the Town approaches the 400th celebration.

WHO:          Mayor Robert L. Hedlund

                   James Clarke, Weymouth Historical Commission

                   George Raymond, Weymouth 400th Committee

                   Seach Primary School Grade 3 Students and Principal

                   Girl Scout Troop #88067, Flag Day Citation

                   Boy Scout Troop #9, Flag Raising

WHEN:       June 14, 2019

                   1:30PM to 3:00PM

WHERE:     Intersection of Washington and Middle Street 

                   Weymouth, MA 02188

                   Lot parking available onsite and street parking permitted on Winter Court