The Friends of the Farm at Hilltop
We Saw Hilltop’s Potential
The Friends of the Farm at Hilltop formed in 2002 to save George Hendee’s 20,000-square-foot dairy barn from sale and possible demolition. We quickly realized the potential for the entire farm to become a valuable resource to help connect people to the land.
We want people to learn something new when they visit, smile and come back again soon.
A Farm Re-born
The farm was idle for 10 years before The Friends formed. This dedicated all-volunteer organization has rehabilitated barns, installed fencing and completed countless other repair and maintenance projects.
A $500,000 state grant allowed us to repair or replace everything on the large white barn from the roofline up. We have constructed an enclosed two-story fire escape, re-roofed and repaired several outbuildings, installed fencing, removed and pruned vegetation and cleaned up the grounds.
Much rehabilitation work continues in order to make Hilltop a first-class learning facility.
Who Owns Hilltop?
Over the years, the farm was subdivided and sold and now has many owners. The Friends hold a renewable 99-year lease with the private owner of the property where the large white barn sits. We also lease 65 acres of adjacent open space owned by the Town of Suffield.
The Simple Facts
The Friends is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors and supported by an army of volunteers. Since 2004, we have managed more than $750,000 in grants and donations.
Our passion for our vision is the fuel that keeps us going. We are on a fascinating journey of discovery and creativity. Come join us on the farm!
Become a Member of the Friends of the Farm at Hilltop
Board of Directors, effective March 11, 2011
Our by-laws allow for a maximum of 25 directors and require that a minimum of 51% of our
board members be residents of Suffield. Currently all directors are from Suffield.
| Tom Wardell, President | 860-668-1477 |
| Raymond Wilcox, Vice President | 860-668-5739 |
| Christine Davidson, Treasurer | 860-668-2905 |
| Judith Pfunder, Secretary | 860-668-5753 |
| Anne Banks | 860-668-5650 |
| Janet Banks | 860-668-5650 |
| Megan Hastings | 860-882-3148 |
| Eileen Moncrief | 860-668-0758 |
| Howard Orr, Jr. | 860-668-1378 |
| Raymond Pioggia | 860-668-7712 |
| Mike Welch | 860-668-2500 |
| Scott Wheeler | 860-668-0174 |
