As the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park continues to spin, shine, and inspire, so does the memory of a man whose vision helped make it all possible – Henry Walston. A founding board member of the Park’s nonprofit organization and a steadfast champion of Wilson’s revitalization, Henry was the kind of leader who made things happen quietly but profoundly. His contributions weren’t just financial or organizational – they were deeply personal, rooted in a love for his community and a belief that art and culture could transform lives.
This spring, we invite you to join us as we honor Henry’s enduring legacy through three heartfelt tributes that will become permanent features of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and downtown Wilson.
On Saturday, May 3 at 4 PM, we will officially dedicate the pavilion at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in memory of Henry Walston. This community gathering, hosted by the City of Wilson and the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park & Museum non-profit, will serves as a celebration of a life lived with purpose and generosity.
The newly named Henry Walston Pavilion will be unveiled during a touching ceremony featuring remarks from Wilson City Council members, our nonprofit board chair and family. Guests will enjoy light background music, shared reflections, and a collective moment of appreciation for the man who believed in lifting others through shared progress.
As Henry once said, “A rising tide lifts all boats, and this project is doing just that – and will continue to do that for another generation or more.” These words reflect the kind of leader Henry was: humble, optimistic, and forward-thinking.
This is free and open to the public, and we welcome all who were touched by Henry’s efforts – or who simply want to celebrate the kind of leadership that puts community first.
Nestled in a corner of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park near Milkshake America whirligig, a new memorial garden is beginning to bloom. Designed as a serene space for reflection, the garden will feature a partially fenced square with benches inviting visitors to sit, pause, and watch the iconic whirligigs dance in the breeze.
The landscaping includes a variety of blooming plants chosen to reflect Henry’s love of nature. Most special of al are the ginger lilies, carefully planted in honor of the ones that once brightened Henry’s own garden at his home in Wilson.
The memorial garden opening ceremony will take place later this year, offering another opportunity for our community to come together and remember him.
Thanks to a generous commission from the Walston Foundation, a new whirligig is currently being created by the Whirligig Park’s talented conservation team. It will be installed near the Walston Center on Nash Street, a gateway in to downtown Wilson.
This new kinetic sculpture carries a deeply personal touch: a waving hand, modeled from an actual tracing of Henry Walston’s hand. It will serve as a cheerful, lasting “hello” to all who pass by – a symbol of Henry’s welcoming spirit and constant presence in the growth of Wilson.
Henry Walston’s legacy continues to guide the mission of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park & Museum. If you would like to support the Park in his memory, memorial donations can still be made using the button link below. Every contribution helps ensure that the energy and joy Henry believed in so strongly continues to uplift our community for generations to come.
The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Project is a partnership of Wilson Downtown Properties, Inc.,
The City of Wilson, Wilson Downtown Development, and the North Carolina Arts Council.
Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. Homepage designed by Next Level Creative
The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Project is a partnership of Wilson Downtown Properties, Inc.,
The City of Wilson, Wilson Downtown Development, and the North Carolina Arts Council.
Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved. Homepage designed by Next Level Creative
