Our 2026 Annual Appeal Letter

November 2026

Dear Neighbor,

For nearly two centuries, the Coley farmhouse has stood as a living monument to our town’s agricultural roots, surviving the hardships of the Great Depression and witnessing the local sacrifices of the World War II home front.

Today, this historic landmark serves as the heart of our operations and a vibrant campus where history truly comes alive.

At the Weston History & Culture Center, we do more than just look backward. As the newly elected President of the Board of Trustees, I am proud to say that we turn local history into a powerful tool for connection, education, and inspiration.

Thanks to your vital support, this past year has been one of our most impactful yet. Together, we have successfully:

• Inspired Young Minds: We welcomed hundreds of elementary school students to the Coley property for a hands-on, immersive experience, allowing them to step back in time and discover the real-world stories of the people who also called Weston their home.
• Cultivated Future Historians: Our popular high school internship program provided students with unique, career-building opportunities to work directly with archival collections, learn museum management, and conduct original local research.
• Celebrated America’s 250th: We provided a dynamic series of community programs and specialized lectures to celebrate our nation’s Semiquincentennial, exploring our unique local contributions to the American story.
• Partnered for Impact: We joined hands with other treasured local non-profits, combining resources and creativity to host shared events, historic walks, and cultural programs that make our town an incredibly vibrant place to live.

But keeping these robust educational and community programs running requires consistent support.

This year also brought a significant leadership transition. After seven years of extraordinary dedication, our Executive Director Samantha Fargione moved on to new endeavors. We are deeply grateful for everything she built here, and our Search Committee is actively engaged in finding the right leader to carry this work forward.

As an independent organization, our Annual Fund is what allows us to keep admission accessible, expand our elementary school curriculum, provide mentorship to our high school interns, and design new community celebrations.

Your tax-deductible gift of $50, $100, $250, or more ensures that the Coley farmhouse, our barns, and other buildings, remain a bustling hub of learning, storytelling, and community pride.

History doesn’t survive on its own. It stays vibrant because neighbors like you care enough to protect our shared heritage and pass it on to the young people walking through our doors today. Thank you for being an essential part of our story.

With deep gratitude for your stewardship,

Stacey Youell
President, Board of Trustees

P.S. Did you know many local employers offer matching gift programs? Check with your HR department to see if you can double the impact of your investment in our community’s history before the year ends!