Weir Farm National Historic Site is now a National Historical Park/NPS file

Recent legislation redesignated Weir Farm in Connecticut from a National Historic Site to a National Historical Park. The bill was sponsored by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, and U.S. Representative Jim Himes and signed into law by President Donald J. Trump.

The 68-acre Weir Farm National Historical Park preserves the home, studios, and grounds of the late 19th-century American artist Julian Alden Weir. The land was integral to his artistic vision and to the growth of the American Impressionism style of painting. Visitors can enjoy trails, woodlands, and fields and quickly discover why this inspiring landscape has attracted artists to the property for more than 130 years.

"Weir Farm conveys overlapping stories in art, architecture, landscape, and conservation. This new designation more clearly communicates the depth and variety of the stories told and the cultural, natural, and recreational opportunities available," said Linda Cook, the park's superintendent.

“The Weir Farm Art Alliance congratulates Weir Farm on this distinction, a fitting tribute to J. Alden Weir and the landscape that inspired him and the many notable artists who have lived and worked on this land," said Paul Halsey, vice president of the Weir Farm Art Alliance.

“Updating the name to a national historical park recognizes the park’s special place in art and conservation on a national scale,” added Liz Castagna, vice president of the Friends of Weir Farm.