Coggeshall Farm Museum Celebrates 50 Years of History, Preservation, and Education

This fall Coggeshall Farm Museum will host its second annual Harvest Gala. This year’s Gala will take place under the tent at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, RI on October 7 and will celebrate 50 years as a living history museum. The evening event will feature live musical performances, dancing, a fall-themed menu, and a silent auction. All proceeds from the event will help fund future programming and events for the museum.

Set on 48 acres of coastal farmland in Bristol, RI, Coggeshall Farm Museum recreates the daily experience of tenant farmers on a salt marsh farm through live interpretation, historic structures, heirloom plants, and heritage-breed animals. 

The original Farm property was purchased as part of the Colt estate by the State of Rhode Island in 1965 with the intention of taking down the farmhouse. Members of the Bristol Historical Society succeeded in petitioning the state to protect the 18th-century farmhouse with the goal of using it for public education programs. By 1973, the project had expanded, and the Bristol Historical Society helped Coggeshall Farm Museum incorporate into its own private, non-profit organization. 

A few years ago, Old Sturbridge Village and Coggeshall Farm Museum began an innovative new partnership. The Village’s staff specializes in a variety of skill sets and the Farm benefits from their extensive experience, receiving guidance and training from experts in the field.

In recent years the Cheese House on the property was restored, the Tyska Barn was built, and the Lake Kitchen Garden was cultivated. School field trips, home school days, and a summer internship program continue to inspire future generations.

This year the Farm has seen the return of more animals and has increased weekend programming. The Farm is also preparing seasonally themed events, including A Coggeshall Halloween to create even more lasting memories for guests. This Halloween families can visit during the early evening hours, come dressed in costume, play games, carve pumpkins and apples, and trick-or-treat throughout the decorated landscape.

To learn more about the museum, ways to support the mission, and to purchase tickets to upcoming events visit www.coggeshallfarm.org.