historic Bedford Hills home of the Wilsons
Wedding photo of Bill and Lois Wilson
The Wilsons – Americans with a Global Legacy – Part of Bedford REV UP 250
A weekend celebrating the enduring worldwide legacy of Bill Wilson (“Bill W.”), co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, and Lois Wilson (“Lois W.”), co-founder of Al-Anon Family Groups – longtime Town of Bedford NY residents – features theater, film, and community events Thursday to Sunday, June 4–7, 2026. Rare theatrical presentations of “Bill & Lois Wilson: In Their Own Words” by Katonah Classic Stage and directed by Trent Dawson are daily and made possible, in part, through a grant from THRIVE Bedford | Lewisboro | Pound Ridge drug abuse prevention and mental health alliance. Recognizing the Wilsons’ role in American and world history, the play is part of Bedford’s REV UP 250 observance of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The Hybrid 75th Annual Stepping Stones Lois’ Family Groups Picnic is Saturday, June 6. On Sunday, June 7 Bedford Playhouse offers “Movie & Meditation” —a screening of the award-winning new film “Bill W. Conscious Contact” with special guests, Q&A and book signing. Details and ticket information for the weekend are available at https://www.steppingstones.org/events
In 1951, Bill and Lois Wilson launched an annual family celebration of recovery at their Westchester, NY, home, Stepping Stones. Their vision was to bring people together to recognize the joys of recovery, family restoration, community and newfound freedom.
Bill Wilson began drinking in 1918 while in Army training for World War I. He struggled with alcoholism for 17 years before embracing a path to recovery in 1934 grounded in service to others and a belief in something greater than himself. In the 1930s, he wrote the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous—principles that have since been adapted by organizations around the world to help individuals and families facing a wide range of challenges. Today, A.A. reaches nearly every country, and the book “Alcoholics Anonymous” has been printed more than forty-two million times in English and translated into more than seventy languages according to Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.
The Wilsons’ home, Stepping Stones, received a New York historical marker in the 1980s during Lois’ life. The site is on NY and US registries of historic places. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2012 by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Recognizing Lois’ contributions, the home is on the NY Women’s Heritage Trail along with homes of notables: Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Austen and Lucille Ball.
Calendar listings for weekend events follow. Details also found online at https://www.steppingstones.org/events
Theatrical Performance:
Bill & Lois Wilson: In Their Own Words (Play is 111 minutes plus intermission.)
Thursday June 4–Saturday June 6, 7 p.m.; Sunday June 7, 1 p.m.
Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main St., Bedford Hills, NY 10507.
Tickets: https://steppingstones.givecloud.co/75 (Thursday is Preview / Discount Night. For a scholarship ticket, email office@steppingstones.org for availability.) Produced by Katonah Classic Stage in collaboration with Stepping Stones – Historic Home of Bill & Lois Wilson. Directed by Trent Dawson, Artistic Director, Katonah Classic Stage. Presented with in kind support from Town of Bedford and a grant from THRIVE Bedford | Lewisboro | Pound Ridge drug abuse prevention and mental health alliance.
Film Screening, Q&A, & Book Signing:
Movie & Meditation: “Bill W. Conscious Contact” (Film is 68 minutes.)
Sunday, June 7, 9:30 a.m.
Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Rd, Bedford, NY 10506
Tickets: https://bedfordplayhouse.org/movies/bill-w-conscious-contact/
Since premiering last year, the documentary has earned eight awards! Producer Jay Stinnett will lead a meditation prior to the screening, Q&A, and sneak preview book signing of the “film in a book.” Part of the Bedford Playhouse “Let’s Talk” mental health series.
Hybrid Picnic with Speakers:
Hybrid 75th Annual Stepping Stones Lois’ Family Groups Picnic
Saturday, June 6
Free with advance registration (donations welcomed)
- In-Person Picnic 11 a.m.–5 p.m., rain or shine, tent provided.
Parking and shuttles provided from Bedford Hills Train Station, off of 1 Railroad Ave., Bedford Hills, NY 10507.
Register: https://steppingstones.givecloud.co/in-person75
- Virtual/Online Picnic Via Zoom, 1:45 p.m.–4 p.m. Eastern.
Register: https://steppingstones.givecloud.co/virtual75
The traditional picnic event features history, updates from Stepping Stones, and speakers from Alcoholics Anonymous, Alateen, and Al-Anon Family Groups.
Volunteer opportunities for the 75th anniversary weekend are available for adults by going to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecv4PyTvWt-k4bdKayn-vKYeux3d-jPDR6u_QXYscnHC25iQ/viewform?usp=preview