NEW SALEM — The Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2026 is comprised of 147 women from across Massachusetts, the largest class to date. But only one of these women calls Franklin County home.
That distinction belongs to 99-year-old Carol Hillman, owner of New Salem Preserves & Heritage Cider at 67 South Main St.
“I was dumbfounded. It was totally unexpected,” she said about being informed of the award. “I just felt very honored. And, you know, it’s a great fulfillment to feel you have given back to the wider community.
“I wanted [the farm] to be somewhere where people could come and really enjoy the beauties of nature … and just have a place to relax in our very stressed world,” she added. “I’m delighted — absolutely delighted. How can I not feel that way?”
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women partners with state legislators each year to identify women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and in their communities. State lawmakers are encouraged to submit one woman from their constituency as a means of recognizing their efforts and acts of service.
Many 2026 class members joined the commission and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll at the State House for a ceremony on June 24. Hillman, who learned of the honor in May, opted against traveling to Boston but said a longtime friend who works in the building picked up her official award certificate, pin and program book on her behalf.
Hillman was nominated for the award by state Rep. Aaron Saunders, D-Belchertown.
“Carol is a wonderful person and an absolute pillar of our community. She spent decades advancing childhood education, changing young lives and influencing generations of teachers in the field,” Saunders said in a statement. “Her farm, New Salem Preserves, has been an extension of her classroom and a manifestation of her passion for teaching, as she continues teaching guests the importance of growing and harvesting food. At nearly 100 years old, she continues to dedicate much of her time to her farm and constantly shares the fruits of her labor with the community. Her cider is absolutely incredible and I highly recommend everyone visit her farm!”
It’s been an exciting few months for Hillman, who received an honorary doctorate from Smith College, her alma mater, on May 17. She had earned her bachelor’s degree as part of the Class of 1949, and her mother graduated in 1921.
“I will tell you that the 600 students gave me a standing ovation. I feel that I had a message to give them, and they were so receptive and so taking it in,” she said. “It was the most rewarding experience.”
Hillman shared her experiences being shut out of high school debutante balls because of her Jewish faith, and of failing in her two attempts to be accepted to Smith College.
“I urge you new Smithies, follow your passion, give it your all,” Hillman told the graduates in front of her on the campus’ Quadrangle. “You have the power to make our planet a better world. I wish you a beautiful journey.”
A statement from Smith College said Hillman was selected because she is a lifelong educator and environmental steward whose work has deeply influenced early childhood education on local and global scales.
“Guided by two core passions — nurturing young minds and tending the natural environment — Hillman has spent decades bridging the gap between the classroom and the land,” the college said in a statement.
It was actually the second honorary doctorate for Hillman, who four years ago also received one from alma mater Bank Street College of Education in New York, where she earned a master’s in early childhood and elementary education in 1967, and a master’s in educational leadership in 1987. Drawing on her studies there, she taught 4-year-olds at the Ethical Culture Nursery School in White Plains, New York, for 20 years, and founded the Early Childhood Wisdom Initiative, an organization that recruits older practitioners to mentor the next generation of early childhood professionals.
A New York native, Hillman purchased the New Salem farm with her now-late husband in 1968. It was a second home for 66 years until Hillman moved from Harrison, New York, to New Salem during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Part of my vision for this place has been to incorporate many different organizations,” she said. “So I feel very strongly that a farm can be anything. It isn’t only about apples. It isn’t only the environment. It is also about people sharing a space.”
The Hillmans made sweet ciders for decades and Carol began dabbling in hard ciders about seven years ago. The cidery sells Quabbin Reserve, an heirloom blend with small-batch Golden Russet cider; Core Appeal, a semi-dry cider with an aromatic nose and fruit-forward palate; and Bee’s Knees, made with wildflower honey and Old English apples.
Family members told her she was crazy for starting a new venture at 92 years old, but she is still going strong.
“I expect to keep doing the best that I can do for as long as I can do it,” Hillman said. “And I think the important thing is to find your passion and give it your all … and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
