Wayland Seeks Nominations For 2026 Lydia Maria Child Award

WAYLAND, MA — The town is looking for nominations for its annual Lydia Maria Child Award.

The award, given annually to a resident, group, volunteer organization, or employee, recognizes active volunteer leadership that improves the community's quality of life or serves the needs of townspeople. It can also be given out posthumously.

Lydia Maria Child, who lived in Wayland during the mid-nineteenth century, is remembered as a national heroine for her work as an abolitionist and as a women's rights, equality and human rights activist. She was also a novelist and journalist, known for her famous poem" Over the River and Through the Wood."

The Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee invites all residents to offer nominations for the award. The deadline is Mar. 27, and submissions must be 500 words or less and include your contact information.

You can submit your nomination by email at jberkowitz@wayland.ma.us or by mail to:

Joseph Berkowitz,, Member
Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee
20 Highgate Road
Wayland, MA 01778

The 2026 Lydia Maria Child Award recipient will be announced at Wayland’s Annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 4, at the Wayland High School Field House.

The town is also looking for nominations for its annual C. Peter R. Gossels Good Government Award, which you can learn more about here.

See Also: Wayland Seeks Nominations For 2026 C. Peter R. Gossels Good Government Award