KATONAH, N.Y. — 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 residents of Bedford, will feature theater, film, and community events from Thursday through Sunday, June 4–7, 2026.
Rare theatrical presentations of Bill & Lois Wilson: In Their Own Words, produced by Katonah Classic Stage and directed by Trent Dawson, will be held daily. The performances are made possible in part through a grant from THRIVE Bedford | Lewisboro | Pound Ridge, a 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 will take place Saturday, June 6. On Sunday, June 7, Bedford Playhouse will present “Movie & Meditation,” featuring a screening of the award-winning documentary Bill W. Conscious Contact along with special guests, a Q&A session, and a book signing.
Details and ticket information for all weekend events are available at https://www.steppingstones.org/events.
In 1951, Bill and Lois Wilson launched an annual family celebration of recovery at their Westchester County 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 training with the Army during World War I. He struggled with alcoholism for 17 years before embracing a path to recovery in 1934 grounded in service to others and faith in a power 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 42 million times in English and translated into more than 70 languages, according to Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.
The Wilsons’ home, Stepping Stones, received a New York State historical marker during Lois Wilson’s lifetime and is listed on both the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places. In 2012, it was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Recognizing Lois Wilson’s contributions, the home is also included on the New York Women’s Heritage Trail alongside the homes of notable Americans including Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Austen, and Lucille Ball.
Calendar listings for weekend events follow. Additional details are available online at https://www.steppingstones.org/events.
Theatrical Performance
Bill & Lois Wilson: In Their Own Words
(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. Scholarship tickets are available; email office@steppingstones.org for information.
Produced by Katonah Classic Stage in collaboration with Stepping Stones—Historic Home of Bill and Lois Wilson. Directed by Trent Dawson, Artistic Director of Katonah Classic Stage. Presented with in-kind support from the Town of Bedford and a grant from THRIVE Bedford | Lewisboro | Pound Ridge.
Film Screening, Q&A, and Book Signing
Movie & Meditation: Bill W. Conscious Contact
(68 minutes)
Sunday, June 7, 9:30 a.m.
Bedford Playhouse
633 Old Post Road
Bedford, NY 10506
Tickets: https://bedfordplayhouse.org/movies/bill-w-conscious-contact/
Since premiering last year, the documentary has received eight awards. Producer Jay Stinnett will lead a meditation before the screening, followed by a Q&A and a sneak-preview book signing of the “film in a book.” The event is part of Bedford Playhouse’s “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 are welcome.
In-Person Picnic
11 a.m.–5 p.m., rain or shine. Tent provided.
Parking and shuttle service will be available from Bedford Hills Train Station, off 1 Railroad Ave., Bedford Hills, NY 10507.
Register: https://steppingstones.givecloud.co/in-person75
Virtual Picnic via Zoom
1:45 p.m.–4 p.m. Eastern
Register: https://steppingstones.givecloud.co/virtual75
The traditional picnic features historical presentations, 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 at:
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