Weston History & Culture Center Honored For Coley House Restoration

WESTON, CT – The Weston History & Culture Center is the recipient of the Connecticut League of History Organizations 2023 Award of Merit for the reinterpretation of the Coley House, the historic farmhouse on site at 104 Weston Road in Weston.

The Coley House was curated by Elizabeth Pratt Fox. The WHCC will be presented with the award at the CLHO Awards of Merit ceremony on Apr. 18, at Central Connecticut State University.

In the award recognition letter, Amrys Williams, executive director of CLHO, said that "the committee found this reinterpretation to be a true gem, reflecting excellent research, a wonderful balance of micro- and macro-histories, and a thoughtful and creative combination of exhibition and historic room interpretation." Williams also said that "the project stands out as an example of interpretation of a period rarely covered by historic house museums in Connecticut."

Over the course of 5 years, the Coley House has undergone restoration work as well as a reinterpretation which included new exhibits and a focus on life in the 1940s. Using photographic evidence and historic research, rooms on the first floor have been interpreted in the 1941 - 1945 period when three generations of the Coley family occupied the home. The first floor is a guided tour experience where visitors learn how the Coley family lived, worked, and played during the years of World War II. No other historic house in Connecticut reflects the 1940s era, making the Coley House a unique experience, according to WHCC officials. The reinterpretation also includes three self-guided exhibitions including "Life in the 40s," "Let's Play," and "Twelve Stories of Weston."

"The Weston History & Culture Center is honored to receive this prestigious award from CLHO," said Samantha Fargione, executive director of the WHCC in a news release. "The Coley House has been a labor of love for our guest curator, Elizabeth Fox, as well as for our dedicated staff and volunteers. We are thrilled to have the Coley House be recognized in this way."

Beginning Sunday, Apr. 16, the Coley House will be open every Sunday and Thursday with tours at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. through July 30. Admission is free to members of the WHCC. General admission is $5 for adults and $3 per child. The Coley House will be closed on Mother's Day, Memorial Day and Father's Day. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance online here.