Buttonwoods Planting New ‘Worshipping Oak’ Tree in Haverhill Tuesday

(File photograph.)

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Haverhill Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
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The Buttonwoods Museum hopes to make new memories with the planting of a new ‘Worshipping Oak’ on Tuesday, 14 months after a 2017 storm toppled the tree on the Haverhill’s Water Street.

The original oak was an ancient 1640 artifact and symbol of religious freedom, marking one of the first places Haverhill settlers worshipped, according to Buttonwoods director Jan Williams.

Current trustee and former director Joanne Sullivan donated the new tree.

Members of the community are invited to a 15-minute commemoration ceremony Tuesday, June 26 at 6:15 p.m., Williams said. Following the presentation, the public is encouraged to remain for the evening’s program on the history of bowling in Haverhill.