Filmmakers and Central Massachusetts Preservationists Unite to Break Ground on Historic Mary Rowlandson Garrison House

LANCASTER, Mass., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Producers of the "The Captive," a feature film in development based on the life of renowned 17th century settler Mary Rowlandson, a group of Central Massachusetts preservationists and local business leaders have partnered to rebuild the famed Lancaster garrison on its original site.  On Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 2:00PM EDT, a ground-breaking ceremony will be held at the historic site adjacent to the Thayer Homestead located at 438 Main Street in South Lancaster.  The event will commemorate the sudden destruction of the garrison and the Town of Lancaster in 1675 during the strained cultural relations of King Philip's War, and, additionally, will celebrate the future of Lancaster and surrounding areas such as Clinton, Sudbury, Boylston, Bolton, Wenham, Northfield, and Princeton.  The announcement was made today by Wayne Hazen, Professor of Art, Atlantic Union College, and producer of "The Captive."

"We're delighted to be partnering with the community in bringing this vital aspect of our shared history with New England Native Americans to life," said Hazen.  Nathan Nazario, co-Producer of "The Captive,"  added, "It's our hope that the completed garrison house will be an enriching focal point that facilitates cultural understanding, education and serves as an attraction for local tourism."

"The exciting collaboration to rebuild this historic landmark is a positive effort to promote the significance of Lancaster and the surrounding areas as well as our future economic growth," observed Orlando Pacheco, Lancaster Town Administrator.  "We are thrilled at the vision and the initiative of our business leaders and community activists in making this long-awaited dream a reality."

"It is tremendously satisfying to see the commitment of the Lancaster community and its friends to preserving the rich heritage of the area," said State Representative Harold P. Naughton, Jr.  "This is an important chapter in American history that needs to be shared with our children and generations to come."

Sponsored by individual preservationists and local business leaders, construction on the garrison is provisionally scheduled to begin June 14, 2010 and is expected to continue through November, 2010.   The house will be built to circa 17th century specifications with contemporary adjustments to meet compliance standards and the requirements of a facility open to the public.  Local businessman Steve Quill, architect Peter Quinn and construction supervisor Dennis Sabol will oversee the construction.

Scheduled to speak at the groundbreaking ceremony are State Representative Harold P. Naughton, Jr., Lancaster Town Administrator Orlando Pacheco, Massachusetts Historical Commission Chairman Michael Sczerzen and Wayne Hazen, Professor of Art, Atlantic Union College.  Sponsors of the groundbreaking event include The Chocksett Inn, Ristorante Via Alto 27 and Country Garden Florist & Gifts.

Hazen is the author of the recently published Illustrated Version of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson, a graphic novel of the renowned Lancaster settler who was kidnapped during a Native American raid during King Philip's War in 1675.  Rowlandson was eventually ransomed and wrote an autobiography that became a classic first-hand account of colonial history.  Passionate about sharing this remarkably inspiring story of faith and courage, Hazen's graphic novel relied on Rowlandson's account to create accurate, evocative illustrations of her hostage experience.  Hazen's vision for "The Captive" is to provoke audiences to consider the causes of King Philip's War, where Pilgrims who had known persecution in England for their spiritual beliefs knowingly pushed the Indians out of their land. 

Production on "The Captive" is projected to begin in 2012.

SOURCE Metacomet Media, LLC