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Wadsworth-Beecher House Siting Deadlines
By Chandler B. Saint, Litchfield
Since the "no" vote on our referendum question in the November general election in Litchfield, the Citizens for the Historic Reconstruction of the Wadsworth-Beecher House have been conducting a search to see if there is a qualified site in Litchfield that everyone missed or that was not previously available. Steve Solley, I and the Beecher House Society told this group that they had six months to complete their search (until May 7, 2003). If they find a site that meets all the criteria, the house will stay in Litchfield.
Steve and I still believe the house should be located in Litchfield. In the meantime we are looking at all other opportunities. In life there always has to be a finish line; that time has arrived for the birthplace of Harriet Beecher Stowe (the house without a home). The house must go up and its teaching mission must begin.
Recently we have been contacted by many people. Outside of Litchfield, responsible public officials recognized that we had developed an excellent site and mission plan. But since there was a "no" vote in the referendum coupled with no action by any Litchfield public official to develop an alternative plan, these outside officials have assumed that Litchfield in fact does not want the house together with its programs, and that the town will take no action to put it up. As a result, several first selectmen, a mayor, and directors of several major educational/ philanthropic institutions who are interested in growth, educational opportunity, tourism and the image of their towns have actively pursued us.
We are entertaining all inquiries, and want to make it clear that the same time frame that applies to Litchfield applies to towns and entities outside of Litchfield. Proposals should be submitted prior to May 7. Steve, I and the Beecher House Society intend to spend May evaluating all the proposals to see which is the best available site, and make a final decision in early June.
What we are looking for, first and foremost, is an educational/ philanthropic/ municipal entity and people who understand and embrace our mission: "to support the reconstruction and restoration of the Wadsworth-Beecher House in Litchfield as a historic site and education center focusing on human rights, women's issues, and the legacy of the Beecher family and their enduring values and principles."
We are not trying to give away or sell the house or look for money; our sole focus is to find a site in a community that wants the house and will allow it to come alive. We are looking for a location that has similar activities, for example a tourist destination/ educational center that would support and enhance the house and everything it stands for. Although we do not want it to be a controlling factor, obviously the less money we spend on the site, the more money we will have for education, so the cost will be a consideration.
More specific criteria for the site is available from the Beecher House Society Inc., PO Box 1774, Litchfield, CT 06759; phone 860-567-2460.
Chandler B. Saint is President of the Beecher House Society.
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