The Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden announces the receipt of a Connecticut Communit

The Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden announces the receipt of a Connecticut Community Foundation Youth Development Grant for its “Student Agricultural Experience in the Gertrude Jekyll Garden”. The Museum received a grant of $2500 to encourage Region 14 students to develop agricultural skills and knowledge, in partnership between adult Glebe House volunteers and the Region 14 Agriscience program.

The Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden is committed to providing educational programs and opportunities dealing with its history and culture and strives to serve all members of the public through these programs. Over the course of three years, surveys were provided during lectures, workshops and special events asking attendees what aspects of the Glebe House and Jekyll Garden they were most interested in learning more about. One of the top answers was the interest in garden history and design. Drawing on this interest and in seeking to collaborate with other organizations within our community, a connection was made with the Ellis Clark Agricultural Program through Region 14 Schools. This partnership answers a need for student experiences that will help young people develop skills, gain knowledge and work in collaboration with older adults in their community. These students will also develop leadership skills that will be put to use in their community, not only during this project, but as they move forward and become adults. This project will help the museum put together a complete set of design plans and history for the historic garden, which can then be shared with the community through educational programs. It will answer our communities request, produce community collaboration and provide an incredible learning experience both for the students and the older adults who work with them.

The historic garden that surrounds the Glebe House Museum was designed in 1926 by the famed English gardener, Gertrude Jekyll. It is one of only three gardens that she designed in the United States and the only one still in existence. Visitors come from all over the US, Canada and Europe to view the garden during the height of its season. The garden volunteers have begun the 2017 season with a detailed restoration plan for the garden which will take several years to complete.

Region 14 Agriscience students who are looking for SAE hours are encouraged to contact the Glebe House Museum at 203-263-2855.