The Suffield Greater Together Community Fund (SGTCF) awards grants to non-profits in Suffield, or those that directly benefit Suffield residents. Periodically we highlight the work of one of our grant recipients; today we highlight Connecticut Landmarks.
Connecticut Landmarks is a state-wide network of historic house museums spanning 400 years of New England history. Their museums are starting points for deeper exploration and greater appreciation of the Connecticut experience. The resulting real-life stories, as told through their houses, collections and programs, make history matter. Learn more at https://ctlandmarks.org/
A grant from the SGTCF enabled a valuable collaboration between the Phelps-Hatheway House, Connecticut Landmarks, the Suffield Historical Society and Suffield Academy. The Phelps-Hatheway House and Garden worked with Suffield Academy history teacher Bill Sullivan and his American Studies Senior Seminar class over the course of two years to expand understanding of both individuals enslaved on the property and Oliver Phelps’ contact with the Seneca peoples in the late 18th century. Funding allowed scholars to come speak to the students and staff. The information that was shared with the staff and the students greatly enhanced their understanding of these sensitive topics. For the PH staff, this opportunity filled a long-awaited void in their research. For the students, it introduced them to primary and secondary resources investigation and to engagement with scholars.
The culmination of the funding occurred in 2023, when the students installed two Witness Stones on the Phelps-Hatheway property. These stones acknowledged and honored the lives of Lewis and Barbara Butler, who were enslaved by Oliver Phelps. In addition, the students created an inspiring presentation on their work which they shared with community members via the Suffield Historical Society.
The Suffield Greater Together Community Fund is funded by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. For more information on the Fund, the Advisory Board, the Hartford Foundation, and the grant application process please visit https://www.hfpg.org/donors/ways-to-give/community-funds/suffield
or email us at sgtcf@gmail.com.