Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock music and arts festival, is calling on artists and artisans to submit proposals for commemorative works of art in honor of the iconic Message Tree. 

The tree, a 60-foot red maple, played a central role during the original festival as a gathering spot for attendees who left messages, notes, and well-wishes pinned to its bark. It became a symbol of the peace, love, and unity that defined the Woodstock experience. Fifty-five years after Woodstock, the Message Tree was cut down in September due to its poor health and safety concerns.

We spoke to Dr. Neal V. Hitch, senior curator at the Museum at Bethel Woods about the effort to preserve and honor this iconic piece of history.