The Historic Metcalf Franklin Farm 
Preservation Association

I want to become a Member of the Historic Metcalf Franklin Farm Preservation Association

Where it all began....


In the 1990s, the Franklin brothers sold 63 of their picturesque 65-acre farm to the Town of Cumberland, retaining just 2 acres and the family home where they continued to live and work. When William “Rhodey” Franklin—the last family member to own the farm—passed away in 2005, he left those 2 acres to his nephew. Though developers expressed interest in the land, his nephew chose a more meaningful path. Inspired by grassroots efforts from local residents, the Town of Cumberland purchased the remaining 2 acres and the farmhouse, restoring the farm to its original size when it was first cultivated in 1801. This decision not only preserved a vital piece of Cumberland’s agricultural history, but also established the legacy we now know as Franklin Farm.


Today, the Historic Metcalf-Franklin Farm Preservation Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and volunteer-driven organization, continues to carry out its mission to preserve and protect the farm for future generations. Through grants, we restore historic buildings, stone walls, and farmland; offer educational programs for all ages; and operate a vibrant Community Garden that grows fresh produce for Rhode Islanders facing food insecurity.


We invite people of all ages to volunteer, get involved with the Association, or even consider joining our Board of Directors. Whether you have an hour or a day, there’s a meaningful way for you to make a difference.


To become learn more about how you can become involved click
HERE



Board of Directors

Every member of our Board of Directors brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization. Elected by HMFFP Association Members, Board Members are all volunteers who share a common goal of preserving the farm for the future generations.

List of Services

Thank you to all Board of Directors who have served the HMFFPA

Past Presidents

2008- 2010 Frank Geary

2010- 2013 Frank Matta

2013- 2017 Denise Mudge

2017- 2023 Pam Thurlow

2023- 2027 Rob Mudge

Past Vice Presidents

2008- 2011

Chris Ratcliffe

2011- 2013

Denise Mudge

2013- 2014

Frank Matta

2014- 2017

Pam Thurlow

2017- 2018

Denise Mudge

2018-2022

Rob Mudge

Executive BOD

Secretary

Will Nakshian

Ellen Monaghan

Julie Guerin


Treasurer

Joe Hollenbeck

Barbara Phinney

Kathe Keeley

Ken Libby

Carrie Almon



Historian

Chip Underwood

Craig Johnson

Lesley McLaughlin

Will Enesvedt


Communications/ Volunteer  & Education Coordinator

Denise Mudge


Education Coordinator

Kathy Lambert

Past Board of Directors

Tuby Cargill

Carrie Mitzel

Mia Ackerman

Bill Dennen

Dave Gumbley

Lynn Dubeau

Frank Matta

Judy Quaglia

Karin Robison

Frank Geary

Dave Gumbley

Phil Frink

Kathy Lambert

John Butler

Rick Beaulieu

John Kanakry


Safe Farm Policy


Take a Peek at What We Do....

WJAR Channel 10 News Video

November 2025


"In this segment of Studio10 we are learning more about the partnership between the Salvation Army and Franklin Farm of Cumberland R.I. through NBC10 WJAR reporter Temi-Tope Adeleye."


                  Watch How A Farm In Cumberland, RI Is Giving Families in Need to Fresh Food 


Valley Breeze News

September 11, 2025

"Franklin Farm’s annual Fall Harvest Festival and Tractor Show is on the horizon and if someone hasn’t been to the farm lately, they’ll notice something new: a greenhouse addition installed three weeks ago.


Read All About It: 

Annual Harvest Fest will debut Franklin Farm upgrades



Valley Breeze News

August 21, 2025

"Under a bright morning sky, Franklin Farm hums to life. Volunteers gather by the barn, coffee in hand, while parents guide toddlers toward the garden plots."


Read All About It

Franklin Farm Today: A Living History In Action



WJAR Channel 10 News Video Community Treasures

August 6, 2025


"On a warm summer day, 50 volunteers, young children to retirees, take to the gardens at Franklin Farm to harvest vegetables, zucchini and summer squash, for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and food pantries."

      

           

   Watch Community effort helps fight food insecurity in Rhode Island



Valley Breeze News

July 17, 2025

"Nestled just off Abbott Run Valley Road in Cumberland stands a living monument to local heritage"


Read All About It:

 Metcalf-Franklin Farm: A Deep-Rooted Local Legacy


Valley Breeze News

June 12, 2025



"Blackstone Valley Garden Club donated plants and their time"

Local Garden Club adds Curb Appeal To Franklin Farm Farmhouse


Valley Breeze News

May 22, 2025


“Come discover how you can make a difference right here in your community,” 


Read All About It

Franklin Farm Volunteer Open House is June 1


Valley Breeze News

May 1, 2025

"After a rain out last Saturday, Franklin Farm’s annual spring cleanup and garden prep day moves to this Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to noon."


Read All About It

Franklin Farm Cleanup Set for Saturday



PBS OUR TOWN CUMBERLAND

Franklin Farm a part of PBS OUR TOWN CUMBERLAND

October 2021

"Neighbors and friends of Cumberland, Rhode Island share the local legends, history, and memoirs of the local community. Stories include Cadillac Mills, the Arnold Mills Parade, Blackstone River, Phantom Farms, Franklin Farm, Geddes Family Farm, Diamond Hill boxing legends, Equi Evolution, the Valley Breeze, Lt. Robert Waugh, Ski Valley, the Cumberland Land Trust, and the Cumberland Public Library." PBS.ORG


                                                     WATCH THE VIDEO- SEE YOUR FRIENDS!


RI Community Food Bank Recognizes Franklin Farm's Contributions

2019

Chip Thurlow Receives A Certificate of Recognition, on behalf of the farm, for the 18,563 pounds of vegetables donated during the 2019 directly to the RI Community Food Bank


2009: The Rhode Show interviewed Franklin Farm in Cumberland, as more than 100 volunteers and students planted seeds for the farm's community garden. "Now that the harvesting is completed, 13,000 pounds of produce has been distributed to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and local food banks, everyone's efforts turns to the restoration of the farmhouse. This past Saturday was Make a Difference day throughout the country and here to tell us about the volunteers making a difference at Franklin Farm is Jarrad Rocheleau, Project Manager for Project Restoration, and Denise Mudge, the Volunteer Project Manager."

Cumberland's hidden trails: Explore the natural beauty of Franklin Farm

Valley Breeze July 2014

Read Article Here