On October 10, 1994, the Dudley Foundation became incorporated, and the unforeseen and improbable journey to becoming a museum and destination began. Nobody saw it coming; North Guilfordites were in the dark about the details of the local landmark. The North Guilford Congregational Church and the North Guilford Volunteer Fire Company were both unsuspecting beneficiaries of David Dudley’s will. At the time, it seemed that the two entities would just be financial recipients of David’s estate after the real estate and contents were sold.

Realizing the unique character of The Dudley Farm, several long-time locals, primarily from the fire company, wondered if it would be possible to preserve this gem to make it a community resource. It required a lot of cooperation–the fire company supported the concept but did not wish to run the farm, and the church felt likewise but needed to protect the church’s interests. It was a daunting task, but numerous outside people and entities worked to make it happen. The Town of Guilford Probate Court, tasked with settling the estate, was a key partner in finding a way to achieve this goal. Attorney Bill Aniskovich went way over the top with the legalities of tax and incorporation matters, areas which were far beyond the capabilities of the rest of us involved.

From the outset there were many who pitched in, all bringing their own set of skills. Henry and Evelyn Tichy and Bob and Lorraine Ashman quickly became involved in the physical and clerical duties of a property desperately needing attention. Bill and Peggy Barnes and George and Linda Curry dedicated there time and talent to the Foundation’s success while enjoying the friendship of all involved. There are still people at the farm who started from day one; Bob and Jerri Guadagno, Don Homer, Janet and Mark Dudley, Doug Williamson, and Buster Scranton have all been around for a while. Those early days were busy and sometimes chaotic.

It hasn’t been easy. The buildings and grounds have been money pits, with sills and roofs, and everything in between, needing attention. We have managed to upgrade the electrical enough to keep the place from burning down, and nobody has to use the hand pump at the kitchen sink anymore. Best of all, the outhouse is no longer in use! Most everything (but not everything) is structurally sound now, and roof and painting projects will in the future be regularly scheduled events, not emergencies. A lot has happened, and it shows! Guilford Rotary reconstructed our Sugarhouse, so we now have a successful maple program in late winter. A Farmers’ Market has been established, reputed to be the second oldest one in Connecticut. The Dudley Farm String Band has faithfully provided event music for a number of years– what other market has that! The farm animals are a favorite attraction for all ages, thanks to the stewardship of the Dudley’s. Gardening, both for ambiance and food production, keeps the grounds good looking and productive. The museum is a step back to a different way of living, circa 1900.

History of the Big Barn

This imposing structure is the focal point for those who come to visit The Dudley Farm Museum, tour its grounds, and view its exhibits. The grounds, and especially this barn, are favorite subjects for artists and photographers. Impressively visible at the junction of State Routes 77 and 80, it reminds locals of Guilford’s agricultural heritage and the significance of agriculture in the establishment of North Guilford as an agrarian part of the greater Guilford community.

“The big barn, as well as the rest of the Dudley Farm, has been a North Guilford icon for well over a century, remaining constant as farming in our town has changed. I am pleased that we can see its preservation go forward,” says Oliver (Buster) Scranton, Foundation past president.

The Big Barn complex is made up of three barns and additions assembled over a period of about one hundred and eighty years.

The first barn was an embankment barn facing south constructed shortly before the house was built in 1844. With a traditional hay loft on the west side with a threshing or wagon floor on the east. There are two stalls for the work animals below.

The northern portion of the east barn housed animals below and tools above. There is little sleigh shed on the north side.

The third and largest was likely built sometime after 1860 to house the milk cows that Erastus Dudley was breeding. Later the dairy was expanded for more cows and the east barn was lengthened to include a granary.

Generous individual donations in addition to support from the Summer Hill Foundation along with various grants from the North Guilford Volunteer Fire Company, the Guilford Savings Bank, Connex Credit Union, and the 1772 Foundation, have enabled us to fund all the phases of the Big Barn Project.

The pursuit of various funding sources continues as we strive to turn the Big Barn into a museum and a farm animal habitat everyone in Guilford will be proud of. We thank everyone for their past donations and any future ones they may be considering.

These days, a lot is going on, the result of a vision and a lot of hard work. Our volunteers and our members continue to make it all possible. We hope you will enjoy your visit “down on the farm.”