Friends of Weir Farm seek help to keep afloat home of famous painter

GEORGETOWN – The Friends of Weir Farm National Historic Park has reached out to the Connecticut congressional delegation about the impact of Trump administration cuts to the National Park Service (NPS).

“We have received inquiries on the current situation and what can be done to protect Weir Farm NHP,” according to an advocacy letter from the Friends of Weir Farm. “Now, more than ever, we all need to support national parks. While the Friends of Weir Farm cannot publicly comment on park staffing or budgets, you can join us by taking action.”

As part of a campaign to inform residents the group says it has worked with Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy and Rep. Jim Himes recently for support.

“We expressed our concerns about staff firings and funding reductions that currently threaten units throughout the NPS,” they wrote.

Weir Farm National Historic Park preserves the country home of impressionist painter J. Alden Weir, as well as other artists who resided at the property, including Mahonri Young and Sperry Andrews. The only unit in the NPS dedicated to American art, the farm welcomed more than 36,000 visitors in 2024.

The Friends of Weir Farm’s role is to increase awareness and support for the park, but also to serve as a partner in fundraising.

The Friends ask fans of the farm to:

• Stay informed: Stay abreast of a rapidly changing situation and find out more about how to take action through organizations such as National Park Conservation Association.
• Contact congressional representatives: Visit this websiteto find out contact information for your representatives in Congress. The group states that a phone call to each of your congressional representatives is more effective than email or writing letters.
• Spread the word:  Talk to family, friends, and neighbors to urge them to speak out in defense of Weir Farm NHP and all national parks.
• Donate: Donate to the Friends of Weir Farmto help fund areas of need at the park. While it cannot support staff positions, it can fund projects, programs, and other urgent expenses.