Our Impact
Our passion and love for Weir Farm is at the heart of everything we do, and has fueled our commitment to support the park. Since our founding in 2015, we have proudly developed many projects and programs for this historic treasure.
A few highlights include:
2025
- Honored to receive the NPS Superintendent’s Award recognizing 10 years unwavering support to Weir Farm’s mission and programs.
- As the park’s authorized not-for-profit partner, provided supplemental funding to support seasonal park programs.
- Broadened support of the operating expenses related to the park’s Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program.
- Received a generous grant from Tauck, a world leader in upscale guided travel, to support the Weir Farm NHP 2025 Artist-in-Residence program.
- Sponsored educational field trip for park staff and volunteers to Fairfield University Museum “Tonalism” exhibit featuring J. Alden Weir paintings.
- Advocated to the Connecticut congressional delegation concerning proposed NPS staff and funding reductions to raise public awareness.
2024
- Expanded the Friends of Weir Farm Student Art Scholarship program and awarded scholarship stipends to eight talented graduating local high school seniors who demonstrated excellence in visual art.
- Embraced a new expanded role in the Park’s 2024 Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program.
- Successfully raised funds for AIR Program through an online Art Bear auction of 8 Art Bears and 16 cubs.
- Expanded the Friends Board of Directors to 8 enthusiastic volunteers passionate about Weir Farm.
2023
- Received a grant from CT Humanities; developed formats for Artist-in-Residence “Meet & Greet” and “Open Studio” events; provided publicity, volunteers, and materials for maximum impact and visitor engagement.
- Hosted Connecticut’s Historic Gardens Day at Weir Farm NHP to showcase the park’s four historic gardens and their connection to art.
- Funded two Art Bear Workshops for students to create their own mini–Art Bears featured in the Friends outdoor exhibit.
2022
- Developed the ‘Art Bears’ outdoor art exhibit featuring eight life-size silhouettes of black bears installed in the Weir Farm NHP landscape and clad in colorful paintings of Weir Farm by contemporary artists. The installation inspired connections between art and nature.
- Donated funds to provide supplies and enhance the interpretive art easel exhibit in a new Visitor Center installation.
- Hosted wildly successful Beer with Weir “friend-raising” event at Nod Hill Brewery, celebrating the inaugural release of Friends of Weir Farm India Pale Ale with a signature label featuring the work of local artist Bobbi Eike Mullen.
2021
- Celebrated the passage of bills H.R. 5852 and S. 3265 changing Weir Farm’s designation from National Historic Site to National Historical Park. The bill approved by House of Representatives on December 17, 2020 and passed the Senate on December 20, 2020 was signed into law on January 5, 2021.
- Welcomed Connecticut’s Plein Air Painters and Watercolor Society to a paint-out at Weir Farm NHP.
- Recognized by Fairfield County Bank as one of the Top 150 Charities that support the Fairfield County community. Event celebrated 150th anniversary of Fairfield County Bank.
2020
- Worked closely with representatives from the U.S. Mint, the community, and park staff to launch the 2020 Connecticut state quarter in the America the Beautiful coin series featuring Weir Farm, A National Park for Art.
- Led the initiative, collaborating with Weir Farm Art Alliance and United States congressional delegates, to introduce a bill in both the Senate and House of Representatives to change the park’s designation from Weir Farm National Historic Site to Weir Farm National Historical Park to better represent the park’s complex cultural, natural, and recreational resources to the public.
- Created the Friends of Weir Farm Student Art Scholarship to recognize artistic excellence to two high school seniors whose creativity and artistic vision continue the legacy of Julian Alden Weir and Weir Farm NHP.
2019
- Launched a letter campaign to state officials and local communities detailing the impact of the U.S. Government Shutdown on the park and community, and advocated on behalf of the park for a speedy resolution.
- Collaborated with family members and Weir Farm Art Alliance to acquire J. Alden Weir’s painting, Early Moonrise (circa 1891), and added this stunning painting to the park’s collection.
- Created engaging materials and organized five new Junior Ranger Family Fun Days to encourage opportunities to observe, explore, and appreciate the park’s natural and cultural resources.
- Supported the NPS “Healthy Park, Healthy People” initiative by donating a dozen rustic wooden hiking sticks, to invite visitors of all ages to borrow a stick, “Take a Hike”, and explore the Weir Farm landscape and woodlands.
2015 – 2018
- Created the Weir Star Service Award to recognize exceptional service excellence to Weir Farm NHP. Presented the Weir Star Service Awards to five outstanding interns.
- Raised funds and collaborated with park curatorial staff to finalize the Weir Barn Historic Furnishing Plan and open the historic barn to the public for the remainder of the season.
- Supported the National Park Service BioBlitz initiative by helping to bring over 350 fourth graders to explore and survey the natural resources at Weir Farm NHP.
- Funded historic furnishings research for the Weir House Kitchen to help the park restore the room to its circa 1940 appearance.
Show Your Support and Join Us
Friends share a passion for Weir Farm NHP and are dedicated to supporting the park.
We invite you to join us!