Date: March 24, 2008

Weir Farm National Historic Site Will Reduce Hours of Operation for Septic Rehabilitation Project

Weir Farm National Historic Site will reduce its hours of operation from March 24 through April 30, 2008 to accommodate a rehabilitation of the septic system that serves the historic Weir House, Caretaker’s House, and the planned Artist-in-Residence Studio on the property. On weekdays, when heavy machinery will be in operation, there will be no parking available on site and the grounds will be closed to visitation. On weekends, the site will remain open, but parking will be extremely limited. The number of spaces available will vary from day to day or could be moved completely off site depending on construction and weather. Visitors are strongly urged to call ahead or check the park website for the latest information before they plan a visit. Administrative offices of Weir Farm National Historic Site and the Weir Farm Art Center will remain open Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 5:00. The children’s Spring Art Explorer Program from April 14 to April 18 will also continue as scheduled. For the most up to date information, please call the National Park Service at (203) 834-1896. The Weir Farm Art Center can be reached at (203) 761-9945 or by visiting www.weirfarmartcenter.org. Weir Farm National Historic Site will return to its regular hours of operation on Thursday, May 1, 2008.

The septic project is the first step in a larger series of construction projects that will take place over the next two to three years to preserve and restore the Weir House, Weir Studio, Young Studio, Ice House, Caretaker’s Garage, and their surrounding grounds. These projects are part of a long anticipated process which will bring these nationally important buildings to a condition where they can be preserved and shared with all visitors.

When the site returns to its regular hours of operation on May 1, the visitor center will be open Wednesday through Sunday, from 9:00 to 5:00. The regular program schedule will resume with tours of the site at 11:00 and 3:00, and one hour ranger-guided programs at 1:00. The grounds will be available daily from dawn to dusk for hiking, bird watching, photography, and as always, painting and sketching.