Politics & Government

Governor Chafee Celebrates Coggshall Farm Museum's 40th Birthday

Gov. Lincoln Chafee got his hands dirty last week as he pitched in on chores at the Choggshall Farm 40th anniversary celebration.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee visited Bristol's Coggshall Farm Museum last week to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the living history farm.

Founded in 1973 by former Gov. John Chafee and George Sisson, the 48-acre farm located off of Poppasquash Road in Bristol is modeled after a 1790s tenant farm to educate the public about Rhode Island’s agricultural past. As a living history farm, Coggshall Farm Museum depicts Bristol's agrarian life in the year 1799 through live interpretation, historic structures, and heirloom plants and animals.

On Wednesday, July 24, Gov. Chafee spent time visiting at Coggeshall Farm Museum, celebrating the anniversary and the signing of a new 25 year lease with the state Department of Environmental Management.

Also in attendance were Janet Coit, DEM director; Larry Mouradjian, DEM associate director; CFM Board President Andy Tyska; CFM Board Treasurer Steve Lake; and CFM Board Member and veterinarian Anna Portnoy DVM.

Chafee and visitors were given a tour by CFM Executive Director Jon Larason and Farm Manager Shelley Otis. Chafee helped with the morning chores, including trying his hand at milking Constance, one of CFM’s endangered rare breed American Milking Devon Cows. He also discussed the future of CFM and CFM’s need for capital improvements with Board President Tyska.

If the governor of Rhode Island can help with the morning chores while in business attire, then so can you. Be sure to visit Coggeshall Farm Museum, on Poppasquash Road in Bristol, Rhode Island, to see how CFM is using their re-creation of a 1790’s tenant farm to educate the public about Rhode Island’s agricultural past. Coggeshall Farm Museum is an inexpensive destination spot that anyone ages 0 to 100 will enjoy.


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