Free Topo Maps of Weir Farm National Historic Site

Download free topo maps of Weir Farm National Historic Site. Use the adjoining 7.5 minute quadrangle legend to locate the Connecticut maps you need.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

Weir Farm National Historic Site

Weir Farm National Historic Site was established to preserve the historic artistic legacy of J. Alden Weir, whose creative life and art inspired generations of artists. Weir Farm was originally a summer house in Branchville, Connecticut, where three generations of artists lived over an expanse of one-hundred years. Weir purchased the farm in 1882, where he created landscapes, becoming renowned as a leading American Impressionist during his lifetime. The farm became a "refuge" from the busy urban life that was beginning to be a dominant part of American society. Weir felt the need to be in a rural atmosphere, where "en plein" (outdoor) painting was accessible. Over the years there were many well-known artists who became part of a group of artists that included John Singer Sargent who were welcomed at Weir Farm; they became known as "The Ten." When Weir died, his daughter, painter Dorothy Weir Young and her husband, sculptor Mahonri Young took up residence at the farm; and lastly the artists Sperry Andrews and his wife Doris became the owners and eventual stewards of the Weir Farm. Cora Weir Burlingham, the youngest of the Weir daughters lived on the property adjacent to Doris and Sperry Andrews. During the latter part of the 20th century, Weir pond was threatened by developers, Cora convinced Doris Andrews to join her in a preservation movement. Cora donated 37 acres of the original farm that she owned to the Nature Conservancy, which was the first parcel in the 110 acre Weir Preserve. The adjacent Andrews portion was incorporated at a later date after efforts spearheaded by Doris Andrews to raise the funds needed for the permanent Historic Site that exists today. Doris and Sperry Andrews remained as stewards during their lifetime; while Doris maintained the ambiance and furnishings that were part of the original Weir Farm. Today the Weir Farm reflects the original owners, and serves as a gallery and Visitor Center for the site. Artists are encouraged to participate in "en plein" artistic endeavors; and the site has been an inspiration to numerous artists over the years. The National Park Service has art supplies which are on loan to those visitors wishing to participate in the "plein air" program, many bring their own supplies. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Painting Sites; there is a tour of the Weir Farm, bird sightings, and photography is also popular. A Stone Wall tour is also available for those interested in exploring the geology and wildlife of the area at this first ever National Park Service Site devoted to American Painting.