Wayland's Gretchen Schuler Earns 2024 Lydia Maria Child Award

WAYLAND, MA — The Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee (WPCC) last week handed the 2024 Lydia Maria Child award to Gretchen Schuler, a longtime municipal volunteer, former Wayland Historical Society president and local conservationist.

Each year, the WPCC gives the Lydia Maria Child award to honor an individual or organization for their work in public service. The award is named after a former town resident, who was a 19th Century slavery abolitionist and women's rights activist.

Resident and longtime Conservation Commission member Sherre Greenbaum nominated Schuler for the award this year. Here's the speech Greenbaum gave during the June 26 award ceremon:

"Gretchen has ably served on numerous town boards, committees, and groups over the many years that she has lived in Wayland: Planning Board, Nike Site Reuse Advisory Committee, Real Asset Planning Committee, Historic District Commission, Community Preservation Committee, and Historical Society.

"Although her active role in a wide range of town entities is truly impressive, her volunteer service alone is not the main reason she deserves this award. Gretchen should be recognized with this award for her dedication to the protection and preservation of Wayland’s natural beauty and historical resources, both of which contribute significantly to our community’s character and quality of life.

"Gretchen was instrumental in the preservation of Mainstone Farm through a conservation restriction in 2017. Securing permanent protection for over 200 acres of pastures and hillsides had long been a priority for the Town of Wayland. Working tirelessly with the owner and neighbors, the Planning Board, the Wayland Conservation Commission, the Finance Committee, and Community Preservation Committee, Wayland’s Select Board, and the Sudbury Valley Trustees, Gretchen overcame the many complications and coordination challenges related to this enormous undertaking.

"She garnered public support through countless meeting and forums and eventually achieved overwhelming approval at Town Meeting. Her knowledge of the property was key to maintaining the scenic views and securing accessible trails through the woods. Residents and others traveling through Wayland and walking Mainstone Farm may take this bucolic open space for granted, but huge accolades are due to Gretchen for her unheralded dedication and perseverance to preserving its natural beauty and character for generations to come.

"As an historic preservationist and consultant, Gretchen has generously shared her skills and expertise with Wayland so residents can better understand and value the Town’s historical assets. While serving as a member and Chair of the Historic District Commission, she collaborated with residents to resolve architectural issues and maintain the characteristics and charm of significance to Wayland. Her leadership n the Community Preservation Committee, guided by her passion for honoring the past, resulted in many Town Meeting votes for worthy projects.

"Always an active and enthusiastic volunteer at the Historical Society, and most recently its President, Gretchen has worked to educate the community through thoughtful and enriching programs. Gretchen’s skills as well as her diplomacy have been integral to Historical Society as it navigates fiscal and other issues. Her sense of the importance of history is exemplified by the

"Schuler’s decision to lovingly maintain their historical home and barn, known as Reeves Tavern. It is particularly fitting for Gretchen to receive Wayland’s Lydia Maria Child Award, having introduced Lydia Morland – author of the new biography of Lydia Maria Child, when she recently spoke at a Historical Society program.

"Gretchen is a truly special volunteer and leader."