Expansion Project Background

Soule Homestead Education Center (S.H.E.C.) was formed in 1991 by a group of area residents. Incorporated as a 501c3, non-profit, S.H.E.C.’s mission is to support and maintain a community based non-profit education center for the benefit of area schools and the general public while preserving and enhancing the historic Soule Homestead. Hands-on learning opportunities include environmental programs, organic farming activities, traditional crafts and cultural events.

In agreement with the Town of Middleborough, S.H.E.C. rents the 120 - acre farm, a 19th century farmhouse and barn and various outbuildings via long-term (10-year) leases. There is an agricultural preservation restriction (A.P.R.) on the property, which is actively farmed.  The current lease period runs 2002 – 2012. Rent is paid to the Town in the form of cash and capital improvements between $15,000 and $25,000 annually. S.H.E.C. is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and with ties to many other community organizations. Members include the editor of the local newspaper, the founder of the Manomet Bird Observatory, a retired elementary school principal, several retired educators and people from the business community. The paid staff are all part-time. We have about 300 members. Our events are all volunteer-driven and volunteers donate over 4050 hours annually.

For 20 years, S.H.E.C.’s low cost, high quality educational programs have reached thousands of children throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. During this time over 30,000 children and adults from Middleboro and surrounding towns have enjoyed our programs. Our Children’s Education Programs; “Meet the Animals,” “Get to the Root of It,” “Simply Simple Machines,” and “Then and Now” are based on Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and developed with input from local teachers. Summer and school vacation programs allow us to build on our core programs and allow children informal interaction with the resident animals - goats, sheep, ducks and chickens and other hands-on learning experiences, unique to our setting. 
 
Soule Homestead also offers traditional craft workshops such as basket-making, beekeeping, chair caning, quilting, and organic gardening. The Homestead provides opportunities for intergenerational learning with family events such as owl prowls, Earth Day / Sheep Day and our Unscary Halloween Party. Many families work together, caring for the animals and gardening in the community plots. For the past 15 years the Homestead has dedicated a section of the community garden area for Middleboro High School special needs students to grow a pumpkin patch. Two other annual events are important fund and fun raisers for the Homestead. An 8- week outdoor Summer Folk Concert Series, featuring local musicians, attracts 450 people, and September brings our  2-day Harvest Fair and Joe Davies Folk Festival, featuring a children’s activities tent, hay rides, a trick horse show, folk music, educational exhibits, and other family fun. This event draws over 1000 people of all ages. Both are highly anticipated and supported by local communities and by S.H.E.C. members and volunteers.