Our mission is to maintain a fun, recreational destination for your entire family to enjoy, while preserving history and nature for the community.
1616 Mapleton Avenue Suffield, CT 06078
Call us: (860) 758-0668
Mail Support: info@fofah.org
Mon - Sun: 8.00am - 9.00pm
The Friends Of the Farm At Hilltop
From the brink of disuse to a thriving community hub, Hilltop Farm in Suffield, Connecticut, owes its second life to the dedicated volunteers of the Friends of the Farm at Hilltop (FOFAH). Founded in 2002 to save the historic barn and land, this non-profit has spent over two decades restoring the property and transforming it into an educational resource and public recreation space.
Hilltop Farm's story began in 1913, when George M. Hendee, co-founder of the Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company, established it as a "gentleman's farm". Spanning nearly 500 acres, the estate was renowned for its prize-winning Guernsey cows and state-of-the-art 1914 dairy barn, a structure so impressive it was once dubbed "one of the finest in the state". Following Hendee's retirement and subsequent sale of the farm in 1940, the property passed through another owner, Charles Stroh, before being subdivided.
The farm ceased operations in 1998 and lay idle for ten years. By the early 2000s, the future of the remaining farmstead and its massive barn was uncertain, with parts of the land slated for development.
The turning point came in 2002 when a group of concerned citizens formed FOFAH to protect the land and its historic buildings. Their mission was clear: restore the farm and re-establish it as an educational and recreational destination for the community. The all-volunteer group immediately went to work.
Over the years, FOFAH has undertaken countless projects, driven by grants, donations, and countless hours of volunteer labor.
National recognition: In 2005, FOFAH successfully had the Hilltop Farm Historic District, including the colonial revival barn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Property acquisition: Initially managing the property through lease agreements, FOFAH purchased the core 7.9-acre farmstead in 2013. In 2022, they further expanded their holdings by acquiring the adjacent Stroh house and its 3.1 acres.
Extensive restoration: A $500,000 state grant facilitated major repairs to the iconic white dairy barn, including replacing the roofline. Other projects have included restoring the chicken coop, rebuilding two houses on the farmstead, and installing a modern fire suppression system in the barn.
Environmental conservation: FOFAH's work extends beyond the buildings. The group has entered into a habitat conservation contract with the USDA to manage invasive species, enhance wetlands, and protect the bald eagles that nest on the property.
Today, Hilltop Farm is a far cry from its neglected state. Under FOFAH's stewardship, it has been reborn as a vital community space that offers a variety of public programs and activities.
Annual events: The farm hosts popular events like Farm Fest, offering hands-on experiences with farming and conservation, and the Harvest Dinner and Auction, a fundraising gala featuring a farm-fresh meal.
Recreation: Visitors can explore walking trails that lead to the Connecticut River, enjoy the open fields for kite flying, or observe wildlife, including the resident bald eagles.
Education: Programs like the Sunny Patch Kids teach children about growing vegetables, and the community garden allows residents to cultivate their own plots.
The Creamery: In a nod to the farm's dairy roots, an on-site creamery now serves Gifford's ice cream, with plans to make its own gelato from local milk in the future.
Today, Hilltop Farm is a far cry from its neglected state. Under FOFAH's stewardship, it has been reborn as a vital community space that offers a variety of public programs and activities.
We are so excited to work with you! Volunteers are at the heart of our work with a wide range of opportunities from Saturday farm workdays, to serving on a committee, to sharing your expertise in helping with our various projects. People who make time in their day and in their lives to support us with their talent create a deep impact and we appreciate you.
