Politics & Government
Weir Farm In Ridgefield Could Get Federal Upgrade
Three Connecticut legislators have introduced legislation to upgrade Weir Farm from National Historic Site to National Historic Park.
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Legislation has been introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to designate Weir Farm as a National Historic Park. The farm is currently designated as a National Historic Site.
Connecticut Democratic Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal introduced the legislation to the U.S. Senate, and Connecticut U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-04) introduced the companion legislation in the House.
Because National Historical Parks are generally considerably bigger than National Historic Sites, which may consist of only a single building, the change would better reflect the Weir Farm’s size and importance, while improving recognition of the site and preserving its cultural landscape, the lawmakers believe.
"These historic grounds have witnessed an uptick in visitors, and more public programming with partners since it was restored in 2014. Weir Farms is a historic gem, and designating it as a National Historical Park will help ensure that future generations can enjoy what it has to offer for years to come," said Murphy.
The park, which straddles the Wilton and Ridgefield lines, has grown to 75 acres since it was first made a national historical site in 1990 and includes a farm, gardens and Weir Pond.
"The site is more than just home of J. Alden Weir, it incorporates multiple historical homes, art studios, and farm buildings and is thus worthy of the designation National Historical Park. I am proud to support this legislation that will bring greater visibility to this national treasure," said Blumenthal.
Weir Farm is only one of two congressionally-approved National Park Service sites in Connecticut. It is also one of just two sites in the National Park Service dedicated to visual arts.
“Friends of Weir Farm and the Weir Farm Art Alliance, believe that the proposed redesignation of Weir Farm National Historic Site as Weir Farm National Historical Park will increase the visibility of the park with the public. As the not-for-profit partners of this wonderful park, we are pleased to have this opportunity to recognize how the natural, cultural and recreational resources of the park have matured and grown to be so important to the local communities, all of Connecticut, and beyond,” said Liz Castagna, the vice president on the Board of Friends of Weir Farms NHS.
"Changing this designation is the right thing to do and it’s the right time to do it," said Himes. "Walking through Weir Farm in any season is a quintessentially Connecticut experience and now, with its extensive grounds and programmatic offerings, it deserves recognition as a full National Park."
