Why Farmington Village Heard Tap, Tap, Tapping

The sound of tap, tap, tap was heard last week in Farmington Village as the historic Stanley-Whitman House museum got a new, yet historically-correct, cedar-shake roof.

The house, which will celebrate its 290th birthday next year, was the first in Connecticut on the National Register of Historic Places. Consequently, the materials used for the roof replacement and its construction was done in a historically-correct way to maintain and preserve the house’s integrity.

Construction was expected to begin next fall as fundraising for the roof had only recently begun. But Sanford & Hawley, a Unionville building-supplies company, stepped up and donated materials. And then Ace Roofing of Indian Orchard, Mass., which has worked on other historic buildings in Connecticut and Massachusetts, agreed to reduce the cost if they could begin the project immediately.

“We expected to begin next fall as we weren’t sure how well we’d do with raising the needed funds in this economy,” said house and museum director, Lisa Johnson. “We’re thrilled to have it done now, especially with winter coming.”

The roof was completed on September 18, but the fundraising continues as the campaign also includes a Historic Preservation Fund to support future restoration and maintainance needs.

Stanley-Whitman House, circa 1720 and located in the historic village of Farmington, is a living history center. It runs educational programs for Farmington and area schools districts and hosts community programs throughout the year.

Visitors immerse themselves in history by doing, acting, questioning and engaging in Colonial life through programs, events, classes, exhibits and lectures. They learn about the ideas that formed the foundation of that culture, and the history and dynamic of early Farmington are brought to life.

Two of the public service areas of the museum--a bright, modern classroom and a period Tavern Room--are modern and bright and for a small fee are available to host meetings and gatherings. Surrounding the house are period raised-bed gardens, an apple orchard, and heritage trees and stone walls.

The house and museum, at 37 High Street, Farmington, also manages Memento Mori, Farmington’s ancient cemetery on Main Street, and the Village Green at the intersection of Rtes. 4 and 10. Each are owned and supported by the Farmington Village Green and Library Association (http://www.the-FVGLA.org), which also owns and manages the Farmington and Barney Libraries.

Donations to the SWH Historic Restoration Fund can be sent to: Stanley-Whitman House, 37 High St, Farmington, CT 06032. Online at http://www.Stanley-Whitman.org.

Launching the FVGLA After 108 Years

(Farmington, CT) The Farmington Village Green and Library Association, or FVGLA, has been around for 108 years in Farmington, but ask the typical person on the street if they know about it and they’ll shake theirs heads, “No.” The reason? The association has fulfilled its charge and mission effectively, yet quietly.

The FVGLA has had a hand in nearly every book, historical building and street that is lived and traveled on in the Farmington/Unionville communities. It owns, operates and provides funding for Farmington’s Main Library, the Barney Library branch, Stanley-Whitman House museum, Memento Mori Cemetery and the Farmington Village Green.

These entities are significant resources for this area of Connecticut and the association has supported, operated and maintained them for more than a century.

The FVGLA owns both the Farmington and Barney Library buildings and provides:
o Nearly 10% of the Farmington and Barney Libraries budgets, and works with the the town
to fund the remainder,
o 25% of funding for Stanley-Whitman House museum,
o 100% of funding to manage Memento Mori Cemetery,
o 100% of the Village Green maintenance budget, and it
o Oversees the Scott Swamp Cemetery.

The association began in 1898 with a bequest from Sarah Porter, also the founder of Porter’s School. She donated land, funds for its maintenance, and then appointed seven trustees to create a tax-exempt association that would own the land, called the “Village Green,” and maintain it as a public park.

Over time, the association expanded. More properties were added to its holdings. And more Farmington and Unionville residents became involved and offered support.

Today, nearly 40 trustees oversee the association and serve as its ambassadors. The board of trustees prudently manage the entities and funds assigned to them. As the economy waxed and waned over that century and now, their donations of time, talent and treasure ensured that the wishes of its benefactors were carried out effectively.

Today, being visionaries for the future, they recognize the importance of sharing the unique role they have as stewards of these entities with those who most appreciate and use them—the residents of Farmington and area towns.

As a result, they hired a development director last September, Via Garafola, who has developed a plan that includes communications, outreach and events. A historic day arrived with the recent launch of its Web site (http://www.the-FVGLA.org) and a fun and educational event is planned with area school children in the fall.

With funding down among the nonprofit sector, being in the throws of an economic downturn, launching a fundraising campaign to renovate the Barney Library, and raising $100,000 to replace the cedar roof on the Stanley-Whitman House museum and create a preservation fund, FVGLA volunteers have been particularly challenged and busy.

“The individuals and families who have supported the work of caring for these entities this past century did so without fanfare,” said Garafola. “It may be a tough time to share the FVGLA’s message with the public, but it’s such a great story. These Farmington pioneers had a vision for their community and preserving it. Now we need everyone who enjoys the resources these places offer—historical relevance, beauty, great spaces and programs they love—to help spread the word and share the passion they have for them.”

It may be 108 years old, but the FVGLA is in its infancy in shaping the face and voice it shares with the world. You can help. Spread the word about our mission:
To enhance the quality of life and preserve the cultural history of Farmington through the financial support and operation of the Farmington and Barney Libraries, Stanley-Whitman House museum, the Village Green and Memento Mori Cemetery.

Direct your neighbors, family and friends to the FVGLA website. Invite the FVGLA to speak at your club or civic organization. Submit a story or memorable experience you’ve had at the Farmington or Barney libraries, Stanley-Whitman House or the Village Green.

Contact: Via Garafola, Development Director
e FVGLA@farmingtonlibct.org p 860-673-6791, x 214