This event honors the national founding of the Cooperative Extension System by Act of Congress on May 8, 1914. One of the ways we are celebrating the birthday is by highlighting one particular type of agricultural support we've been involved with at least since 1911. That is, support for Massachusetts's communities of immigrant farmers, who have always formed a vibrant component of our agriculture. In 1911, Mass. Agricultural College held its first "Polish American Farmer’s Day" here on campus, an event that may be the nation's earliest dedicated educational event for immigrant farmers. Today, we remain involved in support for communities of Latino, Asian and other immigrant farmer groups.
On September 26, the public festivities begin at 1:30 p.m. under tents on the lawn between Student Union and Campus Center. Guests will be able to visit exhibit tables from UMass units and non-profit organizations and agencies involved with agriculture and related topics. There will be remarks from campus officials, a Keynote Address from Rick Sullivan, Chief of Staff to Governor Patrick, recognition of the descendants of some of the original Polish immigrant farm families involved in the 1911 event, and remarks related to immigrant groups' involvement in Massachusetts agriculture today. There will be fresh foods of other cultures to sample, and music by a Polish Polka band and a local Puerto Rican band. The day will conclude with the burial of a time capsule with items symbolizing Extension's first century.
