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      Winter Solstice Celebration

      Saturday, December 19, 2026 from 11 am—3 pm

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      Beeswax candle with pine and walnuts

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      Main Atrium, Special Exhibition Gallery C
      Included with admission

      Celebrate as we prepare for the longest night of the year through an array of nurturing programs. Design your own beeswax candle, engage in a powerful solstice ritual and enjoy joyous Celtic harp music! 

      Drop-in Art Making: Beeswax Candles
      11 am–3 pm | Main Atrium | Ground Level
      Included with admission

      Prepare for the longest night of the year by making your own source of light: a hand-rolled beeswax candle! Candles have symbolized hope and light around the world for centuries. A beautiful, customizable candle makes the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.

      Live Music: Harp Performance by Mary King
      1–3 pm | Main Atrium | Ground Level
      Included with admission

      The harp is one of civilization’s oldest instruments and is central to rituals and celebrations throughout the world. Join us for a performance by master harpist Mary King showcasing Celtic, classical and seasonal tunes.

      Workshop: Winter Solstice Community Circle and Ritual 
      with Tam Willey and Rev. Tracy Rich
      1–3 pm | Special Exhibition Gallery C | Ground Level
      Preregistration required. $10 members; $20 nonmembers (includes museum admission for the day for nonmembers)

      Bring your curiosity and wonder as we make time to connect with the rhythms of the natural world with Tam Willey of Toadstool Walks and Rev. Tracy Rich of Welcoming Journey. 

      About our collaborators

      Mary King
      Mary King

      Mary King (She/her) is a Rhode Island harpist who plays a variety of contemporary, Celtic and classic repertoire at events throughout New England. She was a recipient of a 2020-2021 grant from the Southern New England apprentice program as a master Celtic harpist. Both her parents came from Ireland and gave her a love of Celtic music. She feels blessed to play for so many memorable times in people’s lives.

      Tam Wiley
      Tam Wiley

      Tam Willey (they/them) is a queer guide, mentor and educator with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. A founder of Toadstool Walks and co-founder of Acorn Programs, Willey designs and facilitates nature-based programs with local organizations such as The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, The Emerald Necklace Conservancy and Mass Audubon. They also work with The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth, The Venture Out Project and Wild Mountain Retreats. To learn more about their forest bathing and immersive experiences, check out ToadstoolWalks.com.

      Rev. Tracy Rich
      Rev. Tracy Rich

      Rev. Tracy Rich (she/her) is an ordained interspiritual Minister of Walking Prayer and certified Chanting and Meditation Leader. She is also Director of the Lauren and Mark Rubin Visiting Moms Program (Center for Early Relationship Support). Rev. Rich provides spiritual mentoring for individuals and groups, with a focus on mindfulness, integration and healing. To learn more, check out Welcoming Journey.

      Tam Willey and Rev. Tracy Rich have been offering a solstice ceremony together since 2017 and collaborating in various ways since 2008.

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