WBH – The Last 30 Years

We can be proud of our accomplishments in the 30 years since our organization brought the Weeks Brick House back into our family in 1975. Through the dedication and support of our loyal members, we have:

1. Bought back our property which, after being lived in by 9 Weeks generations of over 250+ years, was sold out of the family in 1968;
2. House placed on the National Register of Historic Places as of June 20 1975, and designated a New Hampshire historic site;
3. On September 3, 1975 incorporated as a New Hampshire non-profit foundation;
4. On December 19, 1975, designation as an exempt organization under IRS code, section 501(c)(3) was obtained;
5. Designed and created an authentic colonial herb garden and orchard in 1977 (and restored it in 1998);
6. Became a repository for: a) several paintings by the late 19th century painter Edwin Lord Weeks in 1985; b) valuable gifts of period furniture; and c) in 1997 received furniture and memorabilia which had "lived" in the Brick House with the last family member resident in the House;
7. In 1992 secured for posterity by a Conservation Easement approximately 30 of the 33 acres of Leonard's original property;
8. In 1993 wrote an illustrated book about colonial plants in the herb garden (sold through Old Sturbridge Village and other appropriate outlets, or direct from us);
9. In 1994 created an Endowment Fund to help assure available funds for maintenance, preservation and restoration;
10. In 1994 and forward several years, engaged a preservation consultant for expert advice in preserving our treasure.
11. Retired the mortgage.
12. Enhanced the rural setting of the house, in an increasingly urbanized culture, by closing one end of Weeks Road and rerouting the driveway in 1997. (A survey from SPNEA (now Historic New England) in 1976 stated: "Perhaps the most significant [aspect] is the survival of the original rural setting of the house which is in our opinion highly worthy of preservation as most comparable structures lack this outstanding pastoral landscape.");
13. Completely repaired and weatherized all 25 windows in 2000;
14. In 2000 developed, and continue maintaining walking trails with necessary bridges on our conservation land, and;
15. During 2002-2003 hired an archaeologist; first to conduct background research focusing on property ownership and house occupants, as well as land use during its first 300 years. An archaeological dig is in the future;
16. Early in 2004 we hired a part-time Executive Director to help with administrative tasks, and to provide support for the many volunteer committee assignments;
17. Regularly engage the services of a preservation carpenter and a specialist in masonry restoration for on-going maintenance;
18. We have become a resource for Weeks genealogical information.