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The Story of New Horizons Village A Historic Quest for Independent Living October 15-November 20 ~ Weekends & Wednesdays 2-4 pm Visit our current exhibit to learn more about the story of New Horizons Village, which opened in Unionville's West District in 1986. It it a fascinating and inspiriting story of the determination of a group of young adults with disabilities, most living at New Britain Memorial Hospital, who worked together to build a community where they could live as independently as possible. They were true trailblazers; independent living for adults with disabilities was unheard of in the 1950s when their story began.
Unionville residents have long had a strong connection to New Horizons Village beginning with Marjorie Morrisey forming FAN (Friends and Neighbors) a group of 75 area residents who offered a tremendous amount of support for tenants. Not only as they began living on their own for the first time but for years afterwards. Two of FAN's members, Unionville's Paul and Pat Robotham were mainstays of FAN and still talk fondly of their time providing support to New Horizon Village tenants and how much that connection enriched their lives. And, of course, countless Unionville residents have supported New Horizons for years by attending their annual Strawberry Festival. For more on the history of New Horizons Village and a slide show of scenes throughout the years click here. For more information on New Horizons, Inc. the three unique facilities they manage (New Horizons Village, Cherry Brook Health Care Center and Middlebury/New Horizons) and for information about Sunshine Wheels the transportation service they launched in 2019, visit their website. Ribbon Cutting for the Museum's new addition
We are excited to share that we held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 30th to celebrate the opening of the new addition to our building. The addition includes a much-needed handicapped accessible bathroom and kitchenette.
Members of the Museum’s Board, State Senator Mike Demicco, Town Manager Kathleen Blonski and Museum members and supporters were in attendance. The ribbon was cut by the President of the museum’s board Patricia LeBouthillier, Vice President, Tim LeBouthillier and Town Manager Kathleen Blonski. Tim LeBouthillier expressed the museum's gratitude to all who supported this building project, Betty Coykendall, who served as Town Historian for many years, spoke of the importance of the Museum to the community and State Senator Demicco read a proclamation issued by the Governor. The addition will make our museum more accessible and allow us to expand our programs and events. The Museum Board is grateful to our many members and donors, businesses and civic organizations for their generous donations and commitment to our mission to preserve Unionville’s history and make it come alive for all. We are also grateful to the Town of Farmington for their ongoing support and partnership. CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant from CT Humanities
The Museum is happy to announce that we received $6,500 in funding from CT Humanities which will enable us to update our exhibit space with an A/V system and new display cases, develop new marketing materials and develop products to sell through our Museum Store. Our goals are to increase and diversify our audience and increase our sources of revenue.
CT Humanities is a statewide nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Our grant is part of $30.7 million allocated by the CT General Assembly and approved by Governor Lamont to support arts, humanities and and cultural non profits through CT Humanities over the next two years. |
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A photograph of two New Horizons Village tenants courtesy of Christine Petit of Le Petit Studios in Farmington.
Museum Store
Check out the newest items in our Museum Store - an ornament of Farmington High School and note cards with scenes of Unionville in days gone by. All of the items in the Museum Store are available on line and at the Museum during exhibit hours.
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FREE ADMISSION
Open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays 2 to 4 p.m. during exhibits |