The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion currently functions as both a museum and an event space. Built during the Civil War, it was the first mansion constructed in the entire Northeast. It boasts al fresco ceilings commissioned by the most popular artists of the time. And here's another interesting fact: The mansion had hot and cold running water (complete with an indoor bathroom) which not even the White House had!
Farmington's oldest church offers Christian education for children through Sunday school, the teen and preteen Pilgrim Fellowship group and a children's sermon at the beginning of every worship service. In the 2009-2010 year, the church took a look at what its members believe, the direction they believe the church should be moving and its strengths and weaknesses. The results show the church body to be welcoming to people of all types and liberal about theological issues such as the origin of the Bible and miracles. First Church will continue to be a welcoming church and heavily involved in the community. It is led by the interim minister, the Rev. Douglas L. Clark.
One of the National Park Service's 400 parks, and the only one dedicated to American painting, Weir Farm was officially declared a national historic site by Congress in 1990. It highlights the home and place of inspiration for painter J. Alden Weir. Weir, who acquired the 153 acre farm in 1882, responded to the natural landscape with impressionist paintings that depicted stones, woodlands and meadows, beginning a tradition that other artists, such as Mahonri Young and Sperry Andrews, would later emulate. The Land of Nod, as the site has been called, has a visitor center, tours, and en plein air activities for kids.
The Florence Griswold Museum is a beautiful yellow building located on Lyme Street. The story of the art museum is quite interesting: Florence Griswold opened her home to artists searching for a quiet country retreat where they could rejuvenate their spirits and find sources of inspiration. To honor Miss Florence, the Florence Griswold Museum was established and has flourished in exciting ways. It has many different exhibitions, and for those who are interested, it has professional photographs of many of the pieces in its collection for sale. The core mission of the museum is to educate visitors on Connecticut's art, history and landscape.
