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Rediscover Ridgefield's Weir Farm On National Park Weekend

RIDGEFIELD and WILTON, Conn. -- Make this a National Park Weekend with your neighbors at Weir Farm National Historic Site on the Ridgefield/Wilton border.

A family takes part in art at Weir Farm National Historic Site in Ridgefield and Wilton.

A family takes part in art at Weir Farm National Historic Site in Ridgefield and Wilton.

Photo Credit: by Xiomaro.com
A bust of J. Alden Weir inside his home at Weir Farm National Historic Site in Ridgefield and Wilton.

A bust of J. Alden Weir inside his home at Weir Farm National Historic Site in Ridgefield and Wilton.

Photo Credit: by Xiomaro.com
The Young Studio at Weir Farm National Historic Site in Ridgefield and Wilton.

The Young Studio at Weir Farm National Historic Site in Ridgefield and Wilton.

Photo Credit: by Xiomaro.com

Whether you’re looking for family fun, a unique glimpse into the past or just a relaxing outing, Weir Farm National Historic Site is the place to be.

The pre-season event will from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 18-19. As always, a visit to Weir Farm is free. 

“American Impressionist Julian Alden Weir not only left the world a treasure-trove of beautiful paintings, his story clues us into the power of light and color in everyday life.” says Superintendent Linda Cook. “National Park Weekend is the first of many opportunities to 'Find Your Park' - a national movement to connect all Americans with their public lands before the National Park Service Centennial anniversary in 2016.

"As the only national park dedicated to American painting, Weir Farm National Historic Site is a fabulous reminder of how varied national parks can be. We can be your first stop as you plan to get outside and see them all, in-person or online.”

This weekend marks the start of the park’s 2015 season, with two full days of special access to the Weir House, Weir Studio and Young Studio. Each nationally acclaimed building features one-of-a-kind furniture, décor, and art from generations of influential and inspiring artists. To celebrate the park’s 25th anniversary in 2015, the visitor center will feature a new exhibition of 25 paintings by artists-in-residence.

Regularly scheduled tours begin again in May when the park officially opens for the season. 

Get out of the house, stretch your legs and experience the place that prompted Connecticut residents to save Weir Farm 25 years ago. Take your time as you enjoy a stroll through the spring landscape that inspired Julian Alden Weir and other famous American artists.

Help the National Park Service inspire a new generation of park enthusiasts when you earn your Junior Ranger Badge on Junior Ranger Day, April 18. Stay a while and plan a picnic or help yourself to free-to-use art supplies and laid back instruction from local professional artists.

Be sure to bring you web-enabled devices and share your unique experience using #findyourpark.

There will be no parking available at the park during National Park Weekend. All parking will be at nearby Branchville Elementary School, 40 Florida Road, Ridgefield. Free park and ride service will run continuously between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.  

For more information about Weir Farm National Historic Site, visit www.nps.gov/wefa, call 203-834-1896 or visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/WeirFarmNHS.

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