An aerial view of the white Coley House among trees and lawn, with the red barns behind it.

About the Center

Since our founding in 1961, the Weston History & Culture Center has carried out its mission to "discover, collect, and preserve Weston’s heritage, promoting understanding of and context to local, regional and world events."

The property

The Weston History & Culture Center is located on the Coley Homestead, a former working farm dating to the mid-19th century. The 3.7-acre site includes the 1841 David Dimon Coley House, the 1883 Coley Barn Museum, the Prue Bliss Education Center and Visitor's Center — which houses the archive and exhibit hall — and outbuildings including a carriage house, bunkhouse, smokehouse, and two outhouses.

These resources provide a living record of how life has been lived in Weston over the years.

The red Coley Barn on a clear spring day.
An aerial view of the white Coley House above its stone wall and lawn, with the sign at the road. An aerial view of the Coley Homestead: the Coley House, the red barns and outbuildings among mown lawns and trees.

Mission and Vision

The Weston History & Culture Center discovers, collects, and preserves Weston's heritage and helps people understand it in context through its exhibits connecting the town's history to local, regional, national and world events. Its historical and cultural public programs welcome all ages, and it partners with local schools to teach Weston's history and bring it to life. The Center is an integral part of the intellectual, social, and cultural life of the community.

Organization and Funding

The Weston Historical Society (tax ID: 06-6038732) D/B/A The Weston History and Culture Center (WHCC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It operates independently from town government and is not funded by taxpayer dollars. The WHCC is sustained by generous donations from local residents, local businesses, grants, programs, and volunteers.

Leadership

Executive Director

Position currently vacant

In the meantime, the board monitors director@westoncthistory.org.

Board of Trustees

Executive Committee

Trustees

  • Mark Brennan
  • Pam Kersey Immediate Past President
  • Nancy Klein
  • Robin Kunhardt
  • Susan Moran
  • Jennifer Muscato
  • Maryclare Roos
  • Skip Shaeffer
  • Lynn Warren
  • William Weiss
Teams and Committees

Archive Team

  • Chris Dart
  • Dallas Kersey
  • Skip Shaeffer

Buildings and Grounds

  • William Weiss

Development & Marketing

  • Nancy Klein
  • Susan Moran
  • Lynn Warren

Finance & Policy

  • Mark Crowley
  • Pam Kersey
  • Leigh Meccay
  • Stacey Youell

Membership

  • Susan Moran

Technology

  • Mark Brennan
  • Stephen Youell
Past Presidents, 1961–2026
  • Pam Kersey 2024–2026
  • Kathy Failla 2023–2024
  • Leigh Meccay 2020–2023
  • Pam Kersey 2017–2020
  • Dallas Kersey 2014–2017
  • Reg Bowden 2011–2014
  • Jim Jamieson 2009–2011
  • Reg Bowden 2007–2009
  • Alan Aronow 2004–2007
  • Rob Brosseau 2004
  • Paul Deysenroth 2002–2004
  • Sandy O'Brien 1998–2002
  • Roger Core 1995–1997
  • Jane Atkinson 1994
  • Herb Day 1987–1993
  • Louis Bregy 1985–1986
  • Herb Day 1980–1984
  • Scott Hill 1979
  • Bob Harper 1978
  • W. Edward Sanford 1977
  • Ed Phelps 1974–1976
  • Tom Paynter 1972–1973
  • Jim Hoe 1970–1971
  • Mavis Lupton 1969
  • Bob Harper 1967–1968
  • Edna Lutz 1966
  • Charles Anthony 1965
  • Ed Phelps 1961–1964

Site Rental

Hosting a special event? The Weston History & Culture Center awaits your guests! This unique venue offers your guests an unforgettable experience.

A crowd seated on lawn chairs and blankets for an outdoor evening concert in front of the Coley Barn. Guests gathered on the lawn for a live band performance at the Coley Barn during golden hour. Guests mingling at an indoor reception inside the timber-framed Visitor's Center. Guests enjoying refreshments at an indoor Center event.

Outdoor events for up to 150 people can be situated on the lawn nestled on our 3.7-acre, historic property. Or plan your event in the warmth of our intimate Visitor's Center Exhibit Hall, which can accommodate up to 50 people seated or up to 80 standing. Either way, your guests will enjoy a picture-perfect setting, steeped in history.

Weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, holiday parties, non-profit fundraisers, milestone anniversary and birthday celebrations, tea parties, celebration-of-life memorials, photo and film shoots, baby and bridal showers.

Celebrate with your guests in a distinctive and uniquely inspiring venue. Schedule a tour and see for yourself how the Weston History & Culture Center is the perfect setting for your event.

Rental terms

  • $300 for non-members and businesses
  • $200 for members, non-profits, and civic organizations
  • $150 cleaning fee
  • $75 dumpster fee (optional)
  • The site rental is for six hours. If the contracting party requires additional time, they should discuss with the Weston History & Culture Center representative.
  • Non-profit/civic groups: free 2-hour conference room or exhibit hall use for business meetings

View the rental agreement (PDF). For additional information, contact: director@westoncthistory.org — 203-226-1804

Contact

Weston History & Culture Center
Mailing Address: PO Box 1092, Weston, CT 06883
Location: 104 Weston Road, Weston, CT (Parking and museum accessed from High Acre Road)
203-226-1804 · info@westoncthistory.org
Open Thursdays and the first and last Sundays, 1–4 pm

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