WEST SPRINGFIELD – It’s March, which means the start of maple season in New England. At Storrowton Village, this is embraced annually. On March 10, the museum will celebrate with a free Maple Harvest Day and Pancake Breakfast event.

Currently in its 13th year, Storrowton Village ties together the maple tapping season with the history of New England. Jessica Fontaine, Director of the Storrowton Village Museum, said, “This event is a way to get in touch with New England history and maple history. Maple sugaring was always a part of New England life. We have a day of showing people New England life as it pertains to maple.”

During the one-day event, the historic Gilbert Farmhouse is transformed into a sugarhouse. This is where attendees can learn how maple syrup is made including tree tapping and sap boiling. Staff will be providing cooking demonstrations of maple recipes over a 19th-century open hearth.

The West Springfield Lions Club will be on-site serving pancakes with pure New England maple syrup in the Greenwich Barn from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For $5 per person, attendees are invited to enjoy a pancake breakfast complete with sausage and coffee or juice.

For those still craving maple after a stack of pancakes, Storrowton Village will also be making maple-flavored cotton candy during the event.

Fontaine shared that she believes the warmth of the heat and aroma of maple is sure to draw in attendees. “Last year, we had about 200 people attend. It can be a chilly day, but we have heat installed in the barn where the pancake breakfast is hosted. Not only will the scent draw you in, but the heat will too,” Fontaine said.

Storrowton Village will also open a maple-themed pop-up shop complete with an array of maple gifts. Included in the pop-up shop will be the Storrowton Village Maple Harvest Sampler Cookbook.

Fontaine said that the event ties together New England and its history in maple tapping. “I just love New England history in general and this is quintessential New England history. Maple syrup harvesting is agricultural history. You can see maple being tapped still in New England today. While technology has evolved, it hasn’t changed too much,” Fontaine said.

Tours will be led by guides during the maple festivities and 19th century craft demonstrations will be available in the Gilbert Farmhouse. In addition to the maple pop-up shop, the village’s gift shop will also be open. Guests are also welcome to have lunch or dinner at the Storrowton Tavern.

The upcoming event is free and open to the public. All proceeds from the pancake breakfast will be donated to Storrowton Village’s education programs. The Maple Harvest Day and Pancake Breakfast will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about the event, please call 205-5051.