Business Details
26 Years
experience
Parmelee Farm: Connecting Community to Nature & Heritage
Parmelee Farm connects our community to the natural environment and cultural heritage of Killingworth through education, agriculture, preservation, passive recreation, and the arts. Established in 2000 when the Town of Killingworth acquired the 132-acre property, our mission focuses on maintaining historic structures like the 18th-century farmhouse, stone barn, and schoolhouse while offering public access to fields, trails, and educational programs.We host free summer concerts, community gardens, scouting projects, and private events in a preserved rural setting listed on the State Register of Historic Places. Our volunteer-driven initiatives include the Shared Harvest Garden, which provides free produce to local residents, and partnerships with organizations like the Killingworth Historical Society to promote cultural engagement.
Services
Community Gardens
Free Concerts
Historic Preservation
Scouting Projects
Event Rentals
Educational Programs
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We maintain Connecticut's historic cultural landscape since 2000
- Our 132-acre property features preserved 18th-19th century structures
- We offer free public access to trails and seasonal community programs
- Our event spaces accommodate up to 150 guests with modern amenities
- We operate through community volunteer efforts and educational partnerships
Services
Community Gardens
Our community gardens provide educational opportunities about sustainable agriculture while producing fresh produce for local residents. Volunteers maintain the Shared Harvest Garden, which demonstrates organic growing practices and donates seasonal vegetables to community members in need through partnerships with local organizations.
Historic Preservation
We preserve Connecticut's cultural heritage through maintained historic structures including an 18th-century farmhouse, stone barn, schoolhouse, and sugar shack. The property's designation on the State Register of Historic Places ensures protection and educational use of these significant buildings for future generations.
Event Rentals
Our event pavilion accommodates weddings and private gatherings up to 150 guests with modern amenities including restrooms, WiFi, and climate-controlled spaces. Rental packages include venue management, parking assistance, and access to outdoor recreational areas in a scenic historic setting.
Educational Programs
We offer diverse educational initiatives including dry stonewall workshops, fitness classes, and agricultural demonstrations. School groups and community organizations utilize our trails and historic buildings for hands-on learning experiences about Connecticut's rural history and environmental conservation practices.
Scouting Projects
The farm supports scouting initiatives through approved Eagle and Gold projects that contribute to property maintenance and improvement. Past projects include trail development, invasive species management, and construction of educational structures that enhance public access to our historic resources.
Questions
What historical significance does Parmelee Farm hold?
The 132-acre property features structures dating to 1847, including an 18th-century farmhouse and stone barn, and is listed on the State Register of Historic Places.
Can I host a private event at Parmelee Farm?
Yes, we offer event rentals for weddings and private gatherings up to 150 guests with advance approval and required deposits.
Are there public access hours for the farm?
The property is open daily from dawn to dusk for general admission, with seasonal event programming and educational opportunities.
How can I get involved with the farm's initiatives?
Volunteer opportunities include community gardening, scouting projects, and educational program support through the Friends of the Farm organization.
What recreational activities are available?
We offer hiking trails, cross-country skiing, educational workshops, and seasonal concerts on our lush lawns during summer months.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Proud Mom
Nov 01, 2020
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What a beautiful place for a picnic. Enjoyed a great evening with my family having pizza and then going on a trail walk. Everything is very well maintained and extremely clean. Thank you for giving my family a safe and wonderful place to enjoy our time together
Cindy Strickland
Oct 13, 2020
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This was our first visit. We had a fabulous time. Trails are wonderful. Pavilion provided a nice shaded resting area. Pond has frogs.
David De Lancey
Dec 01, 2019
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The whole positive feeling this place is perfect to get away from the toe usual zeitgeist of the day.
Christina Cole
Jun 26, 2019
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Enchanting ... a place to clear your head and take in the beauty of nature. Plenty of activities if you need more than nature!
Jeanie Ives
Jun 20, 2019
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Lovely, lovely outdoor space. This was a large artisan market with some food. Many vendors under the large pavilion, others around the grounds with individual canopies. Plenty of room to sit and eat, picnic benches placed in several locations. Nice restrooms; not just portolets, although the one we saw was very clean! The historical buildings were interesting and well kept.
