2024 Thank you!
I know the "year end wrap up" stuff comes out later in the month for most people but I wanted to really let THE PEOPLE know about THE PEOPLE'S PARK because it's just amazing to share.
This year we lost a couple of staple events for different reasons and we added a couple of new ones.
It was a mild risk as the events truly are what keep us afloat, but the public turned out and made it all happen making this year the most successful events year in the history of the park.
But it doesn't stop there ...
Scarrybrooke Haunted Trail helped 6 other local nonprofit organizations this year and collectively, this event has now raised over $400,000 for organizations that are not the park as well. What a banner goal to hit! We are so very proud of this event's ability to help others AND raise money for the park in the process.
None of this happens without the amazing collaboration of outstanding sponsors, regular attendees and (we might be biased here) the most incredible group of volunteers around, totaling over 10,000 hours of volunteer work in the park this year. From events to the garden club and the Peacock Care Team, wow ... it's truly incredible to see the public rally around this park.
So what's next?
First off, we will soon be posting a list of 2025 events so that you can mark those calendars for next year and never miss a beat here!
Second, we need to inform you of a long awaited project. It's been "on the radar" for almost 15 years now. In the coming days, we will be dredging the pond. t's something that's never been done and in dire need to bring back the fish and wildlife of the pond. SO you will see the work being done AND the giant bags of product that will be in the great lawn until Spring. I know they will be a mild eyesore for a bit but longterm they bring beautification to the park as well as a vert strong environmental project. We'd like to thank NBT Bank (formerly Salisbury Bank) for the amazing grant allowing this project to come to fruition. It has been a massive goal for our board for many years and it's amazing to see it finally becoming a reality.
That brings us to the end of 2024. A remarkably positive year for the park and some might say the best year the park has ever experienced in so many ways. Thank you to our Board of managers, our tiny staff of 3, our volunteers, our sponsors and our patrons ...
YOU make Harrybrooke happen.
You ARE Harrybrooke Park.
The legacy of the Hardens has never shined brighter.
Thank you and God Bless!
Billy Buckbee
Executive Director
This year we lost a couple of staple events for different reasons and we added a couple of new ones.
It was a mild risk as the events truly are what keep us afloat, but the public turned out and made it all happen making this year the most successful events year in the history of the park.
But it doesn't stop there ...
Scarrybrooke Haunted Trail helped 6 other local nonprofit organizations this year and collectively, this event has now raised over $400,000 for organizations that are not the park as well. What a banner goal to hit! We are so very proud of this event's ability to help others AND raise money for the park in the process.
None of this happens without the amazing collaboration of outstanding sponsors, regular attendees and (we might be biased here) the most incredible group of volunteers around, totaling over 10,000 hours of volunteer work in the park this year. From events to the garden club and the Peacock Care Team, wow ... it's truly incredible to see the public rally around this park.
So what's next?
First off, we will soon be posting a list of 2025 events so that you can mark those calendars for next year and never miss a beat here!
Second, we need to inform you of a long awaited project. It's been "on the radar" for almost 15 years now. In the coming days, we will be dredging the pond. t's something that's never been done and in dire need to bring back the fish and wildlife of the pond. SO you will see the work being done AND the giant bags of product that will be in the great lawn until Spring. I know they will be a mild eyesore for a bit but longterm they bring beautification to the park as well as a vert strong environmental project. We'd like to thank NBT Bank (formerly Salisbury Bank) for the amazing grant allowing this project to come to fruition. It has been a massive goal for our board for many years and it's amazing to see it finally becoming a reality.
That brings us to the end of 2024. A remarkably positive year for the park and some might say the best year the park has ever experienced in so many ways. Thank you to our Board of managers, our tiny staff of 3, our volunteers, our sponsors and our patrons ...
YOU make Harrybrooke happen.
You ARE Harrybrooke Park.
The legacy of the Hardens has never shined brighter.
Thank you and God Bless!
Billy Buckbee
Executive Director
Engraved Brick Flash Sale!!!
The popular engraved memorial bricks are available to order for a limited time! Don't hesitate as we are only ordering a limited amount!
Check Out our Brand new walking Tour!
the bridge is re-opened,
but there is work to be done yet!
Donate Now to help us restore the bridge.
Well, the bridge has officially reopened. The structural support had gone to an unsafe level but thanks to a grant provided by the Town of New Milford we were able to fix it temporarily. It will take quite a bit more effort to restore the bridge over the next 2-3 years, but we are open for events, weddings and rentals. We certainly still need your help. You can click the button to donate and every dollar given will be earmarked for the full bridge restoration. Please share this information with friends and family, and ask your employers if they will match donations to this incredibly important project. We thank you!
WTNH Channel 8 - Ann Nyberg
asking about us!
Sorry, No other Dogs.
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Dogs are not allowed in Harrybrooke Park. While many ask (and we truly love all animals) no dogs are allowed in Harrybrooke Park. For Service dogs, paperwork must be on your person to show any park staff and please keep them on a leash. Especially with the new park dog unleashed on property. "NO OUTSIDE DOGS" is an insurance regulation and it is strictly adhered to on all park grounds. Full rules of the park are listed on this site under "more" and then "Rules".
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Art Restoration in HArdeN house museum
The weekend estate of Frank and Elizabeth Harden from 1941-1965 holds a treasure of artwork and is a snapshot of this era of elegance. With some master copies and some originals that have faced the test of time, the museum is now taking steps to restore the artwork to its original beauty. Thanks to a grant from the New Milford Commission on the Arts, nine original paintings have recently been restored by Yost Restoration. These paintings are estimated to be more than 100 years old and may not be listed with his collections.
Yost removed soot, dirt, nicotine and an aging varnish that also yellows and pools on the paintings. They have also repaired structural cracks and corrected the structure of the paintings. The difference is night and day, bringing a new life to the artwork in the museum.
"The Museum has been through serious repair and upkeep over the last twelve years. While the former home of Frank and Elizabeth Harden has come back to life, the paintings have certainly suffered," state Executive Director, Billy Buckbee. "When we received the first painting back, it was breathtaking and inspiring. I stared at the clipper ship in the painting and said 'This is what it looked like when Frank first hung this up!' and it truly does change the look of the room. We cannot thank the New Milford Commission on the Arts enough because this gift goes far beyond those dollars."
Buckbee stated that they are now looking for help to restore more of the work in the Harden House Museum. "This is only the beginning, but we need help from those who appreciate art, conserving history and bringing these paintings back to life. The original colors are vibrant and powerful, but as a non-profit, we have to be careful where any raised dollars go for the grounds and regular upkeep. We are looking for those who would like to help us preserve and protect the art itself for future generations to enjoy and learn from."
Click the donate button at the top of the page to help us restore more.
Yost removed soot, dirt, nicotine and an aging varnish that also yellows and pools on the paintings. They have also repaired structural cracks and corrected the structure of the paintings. The difference is night and day, bringing a new life to the artwork in the museum.
"The Museum has been through serious repair and upkeep over the last twelve years. While the former home of Frank and Elizabeth Harden has come back to life, the paintings have certainly suffered," state Executive Director, Billy Buckbee. "When we received the first painting back, it was breathtaking and inspiring. I stared at the clipper ship in the painting and said 'This is what it looked like when Frank first hung this up!' and it truly does change the look of the room. We cannot thank the New Milford Commission on the Arts enough because this gift goes far beyond those dollars."
Buckbee stated that they are now looking for help to restore more of the work in the Harden House Museum. "This is only the beginning, but we need help from those who appreciate art, conserving history and bringing these paintings back to life. The original colors are vibrant and powerful, but as a non-profit, we have to be careful where any raised dollars go for the grounds and regular upkeep. We are looking for those who would like to help us preserve and protect the art itself for future generations to enjoy and learn from."
Click the donate button at the top of the page to help us restore more.
Image GALLERY
Some of the most wonderful photographs are taken in the natural beauty of the park and the museum contained within. If you take a beautiful photo, we can share it here or on our social media pages.
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Location & HoursWe are open 365 days/year from sun up to sundown for walkers, runners, bicycle rides or just to come sit and read a book or meditate. On occasion we do have park-wide events that may close the park, or force admission costs, so please see our calendar if you're planning a trip. Office hours are 10am-4pm.
Harrybrooke Park & Harden House Museum 100 Still River Drive PO Box 364 New Milford, CT 06776 860-799-6520 [email protected] |
