Weir Farm National Historical Park is the site of Julian Alden Weir’s home and studio.  For Weir, a prominent founder of American Impressionist painting, the farm was a source of inspiration — what he referred to as “the Great Good Place.”  Numerous artists, including Childe Hassam, Albert Pinkham Ryder, and John Singer Sargent, visited Weir and stayed at the farm where they were also inspired to paint.  Weir’s son-in-law, Mahonri Young, would later live on the farm and construct a studio for his monumental sculptures.  Being home to three generations of artists, the site preserves the historic buildings representing the historic legacy that has been part of American Impressionism for over a century.  It includes several houses, studios, and barns.

The establishment of the park has its roots in the conservation and environmental movements of the 1960s.  This was the era when the National Park Service was  expanding from traditional parks, such as Yellowstone, to include other natural and cultural resources needing protection from rapid commercial development.  In the 1970s, subdivisions were threatening the existence of Weir Farm, which had already been reduced to about one-quarter of the original 238 acres that straddled the Connecticut communities of Wilton and Ridgefield.  Over time, grassroots efforts resulted in the acquisition of parcels that were set aside for protection.  In 1990, Congress established the property as a national historic site.

Weir Farm thus became Connecticut’s first national park and paved the way for the creation of other units in the state such as the New England National Scenic Trail and Coltsville National Historical Park.  Weir Farm offers various programs, including artist-in-residence opportunities and educational activities, fostering a community that celebrates art and nature.  The 60-acre park features rolling hills, fields, and waterways, providing a picturesque setting that continues to inspire artists and visitors alike.

More information about the buildings, architecture, and artistic legacy is available in the book Weir Farm National Historic Site (Arcadia Publishing).

The photographs were commissioned by the National Park Service.  Inspired by Claude Monet’s Haystacks series, the images depict Weir Farm in different seasons, weather, lighting, and angles with close-ups of details and textures.  All photographs are available for exhibition and purchase. Contact Xiomaro

Archival snapshots are courtesy of Weir Farm National Historical Park.