A tradition initiated in the garden of a Bedford Hills house 75 years ago will come to life once again this week. From June 4 to June 7, Stepping Stones, the historic residence of Bill and Lois Wilson — founders of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Family Groups, respectively — will celebrate its anniversary with a special programming that will include theater, film, panel discussions, meditation, and the family picnic that the Wilsons themselves established in 1951 and which continues to be held to this day.
The commemoration will gather cultural and community entities of the region in a series of activities organized by Stepping Stones, Katonah Classic Stage, and Bedford Playhouse. The program also forms part of REV UP 250, the initiative through which Bedford, located approximately 25 minutes from Peekskill, celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. In that manner, it highlights the place that the Wilsons occupy in local, national, and international history.
What today is a National Historic Landmark was for decades the home of two individuals whose ideas transitioned beyond the borders of Westchester. Bill Wilson, known worldwide as Bill W., co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous after overcoming a prolonged struggle against alcoholism. Lois Wilson subsequently founded Al-Anon Family Groups, an organization dedicated to the support of families and loved ones of individuals affected by addiction. The work of both gave rise to movements that remain active in nearly every country in the world.
The history of Bill W. was marked by a long battle against alcoholism. He began to drink in 1918 while receiving military training for World War I. He fought against addiction for 17 years. In 1934, he initiated a recovery process based on service to others and on the belief in a higher power, an experience that subsequently would lead him to develop the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, a model that over time would be adopted by recovery organizations in different parts of the world.
To commemorate their legacies, the activities will begin on Thursday, June 4, with the play “Bill & Lois Wilson: In Their Own Words,” presented by Katonah Classic Stage in collaboration with Stepping Stones. The production, directed by Trent Dawson, will utilize writings, letters, and testimonies of the Wilsons themselves to reconstruct episodes of their lives and explore the impact of their contributions. The performances will take place at 7 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday at the Bedford Hills Community House, while the final presentation will take place on Sunday at 1 p.m.
The play constitutes one of the centerpiece elements of the celebration. In addition to presenting personal aspects of the history of the Wilsons, it seeks to bring the public closer to the circumstances that gave rise to the organizations that subsequently would transform the lives of millions of people. The production counts on the support of the Town of Bedford and a grant from THRIVE Bedford, Lewisboro, and Pound Ridge, an alliance focused on the prevention of substance abuse and the promotion of mental health.
On Saturday, June 6, the 75th Annual Stepping Stones Lois’ Family Groups Picnic will be held, considered one of the most emblematic events of the organization. The activity will combine an in-person and virtual schedule and will include historical presentations, updates on the work of Stepping Stones, and the participation of representatives from Alcoholics Anonymous, Alateen, and Al-Anon Family Groups. The gathering will develop between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., while the virtual programming will be offered via Zoom.
The celebration will conclude on Sunday, June 7, at the Bedford Playhouse with “Movie & Meditation: Bill W. Conscious Contact”. The activity will include the screening of the documentary of the same name, a meditation session led by producer Jay Stinnett, a panel discussion with special guests, and the advance signing of a book inspired by the film. The documentary has received eight awards since its premiere last year.
Beyond the cultural programming, the anniversary will also serve to highlight the historical importance of Stepping Stones. The property received a New York State historical marker during the lifetime of Lois Wilson, was included in state and national historic registers, and, in 2012, obtained the National Historic Landmark designation granted by the United States Department of the Interior. The site also forms part of the New York Women’s Heritage Trail, which recognizes the contributions of women who left a significant mark on the history of the country.
Currently, the Stepping Stones Foundation preserves more than 130,000 artifacts, documents, and original manuscripts related to the lives of Bill and Lois Wilson. From its archives, gardens, and historic buildings, it continues to promote the public understanding of alcoholism and recovery.
The schedules, tickets, and registration forms for the different activities can be consulted through the Stepping Stones website. For more information about the programming or details of the events, interested individuals may write to [email protected] or communicate at 914-232-4822.
