Weston Historical Society Scores $1.5 Million In Grants

WESTON, CT — The Weston Historical Society has received two grants from the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust totaling $1.5 million.

The gifts include a grant of $500,000 and a grant of $1 million to the endowment fund. Both gifts will enable the historical society to continue its restoration of the Coley Homestead, located at 104 Weston Road, and to plan for the future, according to a news release.

"The grant of $500,000 will specifically and exclusively be used to repair and renovate the Coley barn, carriage house, archives/museum building, and bunkhouse," said Leigh Meccay, president of the Weston Historical Society. "Additionally, the grant will be used to assist us with our long-range plan of providing educational programs, exhibit space, and workshops in these buildings."

The Daniel E. Offutt, III Endowment Fund of $1 million was granted to assist the Society with its operating expenses.

"The challenges of 2020 highlighted the difficulties non-profits face when annual fundraisers could not be held. The Daniel E. Offutt, III Endowment Fund ensures the longevity of this important organization," Meccay said.

The Weston Historical Society, founded in 1961, is a non-profit that depends on contributions and membership support for its operations and educational programs. The Society is not connected with the Town of Weston and, therefore, does not receive funding from taxpayer dollars.

"We survived 2020, while weathering a year of restrictions that prevented us from holding our on-premises exhibitions, events and fundraisers, Meccay said. "Fundraising remains an important aspect to our functioning, as raised funds support our exhibits, educational programs, events, and the maintenance of the property and buildings."

The 1841 farmhouse, known as the David Dimon Coley house, is an architecturally significant historic structure that plays a key role in telling the story of Weston’s history. The house was the home of five generations of the Coley family over 130 years.

"We are indebted to Daniel E. Offutt, who loved Weston and its history," Meccay said.

Offutt was born in Oakland, MD in 1931, and made his home on Kettle Creek Road in Weston for more than 30 years in a house he built himself. Descried as "metal sculptor, woodworker, farmer, fixer of anything, collector of everything and a good friend." He made his career in New York City as a stock trader and then retired to Weston. He dies in 2016.

More information on the group's upcoming programs and the current schedule of virtual lectures may be found online here.

Image: Coley Homestead.jpg
Image Credit: Weston Historical Society
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