Sen. Kissel Applauds $$ for Suffield-based Nonprofit

For Immediate Release

Sen. Kissel Applauds Grant Award to Suffield-based Nonprofit
for Improvements at Hilltop Farm

Sen. John A. Kissel, who represents Suffield, today applauded the announcement of a $330,000 state grant for The Friends of Farm at Hilltop, Inc.

The funds will go toward the reimagining of the Stroh House as a Welcome and Interpretive Center at Hilltop Farm. The Center will invite visitors to learn about the long and rich agricultural and manufacturing history of this region of the Connecticut River.

“The Friends of Farm at Hilltop is a nonprofit organization which has made Hilltop Farm a fun recreational destination for families to enjoy,” Sen. Kissel said.  “This historic farm has been brought back to life with crops, animals, conservation areas and hands-on learning opportunities. These funds will go toward further enhancing the Hilltop Farm experience for people of all ages.”

The Friends of the Farm at Hilltop owns 11 acres where the “Big White Barn”,  outbuildings and former Stroh house sit. The nonprofit leases 60 adjacent, conservation acres from the Town of Suffield through a long term agreement.  It has been renovating the buildings and maintaining the property since 2003.

The funds are being released under the state’s Good to Great Grant Program, which is co-administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and CT Humanities. It was established in 2014 with a goal of helping nonprofit arts, cultural, or history organizations enhance visitors’ experiences in engaging, meaningful, and relevant ways.