Who We Are

Established in 2015, Friends of Weir Farm NHS provides support for projects and programs that directly benefit the park, which attracts an estimated 38,000 annual visitors.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Established from a group of “Volunteer in Parks” docents who were interested in developing a stronger supportive relationship with the park, we are passionate about spreading the word about Weir Park as both a cultural and natural resource. We seek to inspire others with our friendly enthusiasm to “Find Your Park” right here in Connecticut.

We are governed by a volunteer board currently composed of four Directors. The Superintendent of the Park, Linda Cook, acts as the National Park Service liaison with the Board.

2019–2020 Officers and Directors:
Judy Wander, President
Liz Castagna, Vice President
Sheila Wakoff, Secretary
James Burch, Treasurer

For more information about the board or any of our projects, please contact us.

AWARDS

2018: National Park Service Director’s Award noting Friends’ contributions during the National Park Service Centennial

2017: National Park Service George and Helen Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service for the Northeast Region in Group Service

2017: Four National Park Service Awards for over 100 hours of service per individual during the NPS Centennial year

GRANTS

2020: Received Ridgefield Thrift Shop capacity-building grant to redesign and relaunch the Friends of Weir Farm Website, which will enhance the functionality and streamline the capability for online donations.

2019: Awarded Ridgefield Thrift Shop grant for $5,000 to fund enhancements to the The Weir Barn Dairy Room. These three custom-crafted life-size heritage art cows were designed to showcase the important role the barn played in the community and in farm life.

2017: Received Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust grant for $4,500 to fund an initiative for research and the preparation of a furnishing plan to open the historic Weir Barn.

Show Your
Support & Join Us!

Whether we contribute time, money, or other resources, Friends share a passion for Weir Farm NHS and are dedicated to advancing its mission.

We invite you to share your talents by joining us.