NEARA, The New England Antiquities Research Association is dedicated to protecting and studying our many local historical stoneworks. Fields of study include many perspectives such as history, archaeology, anthropology, geology, archaeoastronomy, deed research, and epigraphy.
On April 25th, 2026, NEARA hosted a field trip to the Cascades in Worcester, Massachusetts. This site, managed by the GWLT, Greater Worcester Land Trust, boasts great natural beauty and a rich native American past.
Kaia Sharon led the group and pointed out various types of stone walls, an old well, a newer chamber, and natural waterfalls.
But, the true highlights of the field trip included two sites of native American significance. First, we explored “Wunneompset”. This stone is a large, split glacial erratic. It is especially significant to consider that it is a rock with a name, and a name that has been retained for hundreds of years at the least. Wunneompset means good/beautiful rock in the Nipmuc language.
But, perhaps the main event was the “Old Indian Ampitheater”. Tiers of stone were built into a slope in a semi-circular formation. Accounts of this structure date back to 1630 pointing to a native American origin.
In addition to the stones, we enjoyed the beauty of the forest. I pointed out native spring flowers such as red trillium, threeleaf goldthread, anemones, trout lilies, and marsh marigolds.
Hellstrip Heaven 