Dear Friend,
Thank you to everyone who raised a “symbolic beer” to toast Rod Cofield, our former Executive Director, who departed after 16 years to lead the Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum. As President of the Board, I also want to thank Lauren Silberman for stepping up to serve as Acting Executive Director after serving as the Deputy Director for 7 years. Her 20+ years of museum experience ensures the seamless operation of Historic London Town & Gardens.
Photo of the William Brown House by Bob Peterson
I am pleased to share several new initiatives underway to improve the visitor experience. First, we’re launching an exciting reinterpretation of the William Brown House, making the experience more immersive, hands-on, and inclusive for visitors and students.
Concept for The Phillips Education Pavilion
Second, my thanks go to the Phillips Charitable Foundation, Maryland Heritage Areas Authority, and a private donor whose generosity is enabling construction a new pavilion for our educational programs. Currently 5,000+ students tour our site annually. Look for the pavilion to open in 2023!
Azaleas at London Town
Third, we’re embarking on the restoration of the Azalea Hillside. The azaleas are one of our most popular spring garden attractions. However, no matter how spectacular our gardens are, they need to be easily accessible to be enjoyed. As such, I’m happy to share that we’re taking on the complex process of designing new trails compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
As you can imagine, these initiatives require an immense amount of time from our talented staff and dedicated volunteers. They also require large capital expenses. However, we believe the effort will bring history alive for our visitors in an unprecedented way and allow everyone to access the natural beauty of our gardens. These are only some of the projects in the works following our Capital and Operations Improvement Plan: www.historiclondontown.org/2027.
Will you please help us bring our beloved Historic London Town and Gardens to the next level of excellence with a tax-deductible donation? Thank you for your generosity!
Warmest Wishes,
Robert C. Leib
President, Board of Trustees
The London Town Foundation