Akron Comes to East Dorset

Reflections on Our Founders & Spirituality - July 17 to 19 

Join us at The Wilson House for a special program where we will bring the spirit of Akron, the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous, for an immersive experience right here in East Dorset, the birthplace of Bill Wilson.

Just added...special Saturday-only registration option! Join us starting at 9:30am on Saturday, July 18th, for a full day of rich and inspiring programming. Just $97.50 includes all programming on Saturday, plus a delicious lunch and dinner prepared by Chef Neil.

This weekend retreat invites you into the early days of AA through story, history, and shared reflection. Guided by Gail LaCroix, archivist from Dr. Bob’s Home, alongside local historian Shawn Harrington and Wilson House facilitator Susan Kleiner, we will explore the roots of the program and the lives of those who helped shape it.

Together, we’ll trace the “slender threads” that connect past to present: the quiet influences, turning points, and spiritual principles that continue to guide us in our recovery today. Through presentations, small group conversations, and time for reflection, we’ll consider what it was like, what happened, and what it’s like now, not only for our founders, but for each of us.

The weekend will explore the influence of the Oxford Group, the meaning of the Four Absolutes, and the powerful simplicity of early AA practices. We’ll step inside the story of Dr. Bob’s Home, and reflect on early pamphlets and writings. 

We’ll also bring to life for you the childhood adventures of “Willy Wilson” (aka Bill W.) who was born and raised here in this valley. Archival materials, historical insights, and personal interpretation will bring these stories to life in a way that feels immediate and relevant.

Weekend Schedule

FRIDAY
3:00–5:00 PM – Arrival & Check-In
5:30 PM – Friday Night Supper at The Wilson House
7:00-8:00 – Step Meeting with the Village Street Group
8:15 – Welcome & Introductions
8:30-9:40 – A talk with Bill Wilson about writing the Big Book (Gail L.) – All are welcome to attend this special presentation.

SATURDAY
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:30 AM – The Oxford Group & the Spiritual Roots of AA (Gail L.)
10:50-11:00 – Break
11:00- 12:00 – “The Grateful Dead”: A Visit with Bill and Friends at the East Dorset Cemetery (Shawn H.)
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:15 -2:30 – Bill W.’s Early Life in the Northshire (Shawn H.) 2:30-3:00 – Break
3:00-4:15 – Dr. Bob’s Home: What It Was Like, What Happened, What It’s Like Now (Gail L.)
4:15-5:45 – Historic Homes Overview: Learn more about Dr. Bob’s Home, Stepping Stones, and The Wilson House
5:45 – 7:00 Dinner – Conversations around the table
7:30 PM – Optional AA Meeting
8:45 PM – The Akron Manual & Early AA Practices (Gail L.)

SUNDAY
9:15 AM – Dr. Bob’s Library (Gail L.)
10:30-11:30 – Sharing, Questions, Closing Reflections and Wrap Up

PLEASE NOTE: Registration includes all programming and meals on Saturday. Lodging is separate. Financial assistance is available - more information here.

Questions? Call Kim at The Wilson House at (802) 362-5524 or email kim@wilsonhouse.org.