By Megan Coppersmith Szerwo, February 2025
In June 2023, Lancaster High School student and Eagle Scout Matthew Killian led 40 volunteers in planting 28 white pines and building 100 feet of snow fencing behind the Hull Family Burial Plot on the grounds of the Hull Family Home in Lancaster, NY. Matthew made Eagle Scout as a member of Troop 601 in Bowmansville, NY.
“The intent of this project was to bring peace and honor to this historical property and help improve tours of the space,” said Matthew. “The trees should quickly grow to become a visual and sound barrier from the NYS Thruway and Lancaster Speedway.”
Matthew recruited family and friends to complete the project.
“I chose white pines because they are symbolic of the Iroquois Nation (now known as the Haudenosaunee Confederacy), who originally lived on the land and who are said to have buried their warring instruments under a white pine as a sign of peace,” added Matthew.
Matthew with newly-planted white pine
Before planting
After planting
View of new plantings from grave site
As the project leader, Matthew procured the space and materials and demonstrated leadership by example, teaching the volunteers how to plant the trees. After overcoming an inoperable auger, Matthew’s team accomplished their goals during the 2.5-hour event.
“Through this project I learned that leadership means that someone does not have to know everything and do everything, but find someone who could help. When I had questions or needed help, I found someone that would be able to help instead of just struggling to find a solution,” summed up Matthew. “The most rewarding part of being the leader was seeing the project at the end. I felt very proud seeing all of the trees planted.”
“Our family is very proud of Matthew’s project,” said Kristen Killian, Matthew’s mother. “Since its completion, we have all continued volunteering with the Hull Family Home in various ways. We now own 1800’s-era clothing and have been seen in the roles of ‘costumed interpreter’ and ‘docent.’”
The Hull Family Home and Farmstead preserves the legacy and history of the Hull Family and one of the oldest houses in Erie County. The restored home and farmstead educate about early American life. Visit hullfamilyhome.com for more information.
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