Weir Farm In Wilton Named CT's 1st National Historical Park

WILTON, CT — Weir Farm in Ridgefield and Wilton has been officially designated Connecticut's first "national historic park."

The bill was sponsored by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Jim Himes and signed into law by President Donald J. Trump.

The 68-acre Weir Farm National Historical Park preserves the home, studios and grounds of the late 19th-century American artist Julian Alden Weir. The land was integral to his artistic vision and to the growth of the American Impressionism national style of painting.

"Walking through Weir Farm in any season is a quintessentially Connecticut experience,” said Himes in a statement. "It's a beautiful, extensive site that gives visitors perspective into an important period in American art, as well as a much-needed space to reconnect with our natural world."

“Updating the name to a national historical park recognizes the park’s special place in art and conservation on a national scale,” said Liz Castagna, Vice President of the Friends of Weir Farm.

Weir Farm visitors can enjoy trails, woodlands, art collections, orchards, and fields across 75 acres. The property was designated Connecticut's first national historic site in 1990. The property includes more than 15 buildings

"Weir Farm conveys overlapping stories in art, architecture, landscape, and conservation. This new designation more clearly communicates the depth and variety of the stories told and the cultural, natural and recreational opportunities available," said Linda Cook, Superintendent of Weir Farm National Historical Park.