Wistariahurst Honors Local Educators to Kick Off Civic Learning Week.

Posted March 9, 2026

Wistariahurst Museum joined thousands of organizations nationwide Monday to launch Civic Learning Week, hosting a recognition ceremony for two local educators at the start of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, State Rep. Pat Duffy, and an aide for State Sen. John Velis attended the event at Wistariahurst to honor Dr. Vanessa Martínez Renuncio and Nicholas Cream for their contributions to civic education.

The ceremony serves as the first in a series of events planned throughout the year to focus on civic rights and responsibilities. Civic Learning Week, an annual nonpartisan initiative managed by iCivics, runs through March 15.

Dr. Vanessa Martínez Renuncio is a professor of anthropology at Holyoke Community College, Martínez Renuncio was recognized for her work in cultural humility. She teaches students to advocate for their communities and utilize their skills to raise awareness and funds for local needs.

Nicholas Cream is an Ethnic Studies and history teacher at Dean Technical High School and president of the Holyoke Teachers Association. Cream was honored for his career-long commitment to teaching the importance of civic engagement and advocating for educators.

Organizers stated that civic education is essential to equipping citizens with the tools necessary for a self-governing society. The week-long national event is supported by several major institutions, including the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the National Council for Social Studies.

For more information on upcoming civic events, residents can visit wistariahurst.org