WESTON, CT – The Weston Historical Society is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of a 2021 Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of History Organizations (CLHO) for the outdoor historic interpretive signage at the Coley Homestead, 104 Weston Road. The Society was presented with the award at the CLHO Awards of Merit virtual ceremony and annual business meeting on April 20, 2021.
The Award of Merit committee stated that the outdoor signage, “was an excellent way for the Society to continue welcoming the public to the property during the pandemic, and to turn its grounds into an informative space for self-guided tours and learning.”
Based on the Connecticut League of History Organizations Awards of Merit website, “The Connecticut League of History Organizations presents Awards of Merit to institutions and individuals who demonstrate the highest of professional standards, and who enhance and further the understanding of Connecticut history. The purpose of the Awards of Merit is to recognize the care, thought and effort invested in these contributions and to inspire and encourage others by acknowledging exceptional contributions to state and local history.”
“The Weston Historical Society is honored to receive this prestigious award and to be recognized as a history organization that has made a meaningful contribution to state and local history”, says Samantha Kulish-Fargione, Weston Historical Society’s Executive Director.
In November of 2020, the Weston Historical Society installed five outdoor interpretive signs that tell the story of the Coley Homestead, introducing the public to the history of the buildings as well as the people who once lived and worked on the homestead. The Society’s objective with creating and installing the signs was to broaden the educational value of the historic agricultural site and buildings. With the signs, the property now offers not only a bucolic setting for the community-at-large to walk, exercise and picnic, but an outdoor museum.
The five signs were written by historic consultant, Elizabeth Pratt Fox and designed by the late Dennis O’Brien of Maps & Wayfinding, LLC. The signage was funded in part by CT Humanities, Weston Education Foundation and the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust.
The grounds are open to the public every day, from dawn until dusk. Leashed dogs are allowed on the property. The society asks that visitors follow CDC social distancing guidelines to keep themselves and others safe.
The Weston Historical Society would like to thank its annual sponsors: Fairfield County Bank and KMS Partners at Compass, and its benefactor, the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust. The Weston Historical Society is 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is generously supported by people like you. For more information and to donate, please contact the Weston Historical Society at info@westonhistoricalsociety.org, 203-226-1804 or visit www.westonhistoricalsociety.org.
