Preserving for the Future

Preservation Efforts


The Historic Metcalf Franklin Farm preservation efforts are on-going.  From the 1857 Franklin Homestead, the 1810s Barn Complex to the open, picturesque fields and stone walls our vision for the future is to see this farm continue in its 219 year old purpose of farming. 

Preservation efforts are on going.  Check out what we are working on below.

*Thank you BJCLARKE41 for the incredible drone views of the farm!

The Barn Complex   

(circa 1810, 1865, 1890, 1930)

In 2008 the barn received a new roof and much needed structural support, thanks to a generous grant from the RI Preservation & Heritage Commission and the Historic Metcalf-Franklin Farm. 

The HMFFPA completed a Master Plan (2022) for this unique historic barn complex and is currently seeking grants and raising funds for future work.


Past Work Includes: 

  • The East, North and West End  sides were re-shingled using traditional shingling methods by Woonsocket Vocation School
  • The 1890 Sliding Barn Door Was Rebuilt by Woonsocket Vocational School
  • The 1810 Sliding Door was rebuilt with new hardware (2016) by Michael Turcone.
  • The 4 People Doors were rebuilt and hardware replaced by Eagle Scout Nick Petrich, Troop 1 Arnold Mills (2016)
  • The 1930 Waldo Franklin Cow Stable Sliding "Cow" Door and Sliding People Door were rebuilt with new hardware (2017) by Michael Turcone.

 

The William Franklin House ca. 1857

Phase I: Due to the generous matching grants from the RI Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission and Town of Cumberland, the exterior restoration of the homestead began in was completed in June 2018 by Haynes De Boer Associates and Martone Corporation.


Phase II: Breaking the preservation and restoration of the house into more financially manageable parts. Phase 2 includes interior renovations at south first floor), new bathroom, kitchenette, utility closet, new entry porch with steps & ramp, , structural and masonry work in basement.

Phase III...  Still To Come


Phase III will include the renovation of the 1st Floor for Museum/ Classroom space and the Renovation of the 2nd Floor. 


To learn how you can support preservation efforts, please contact franklinfarm65@gmail.com

The Grounds

In 1803, Liberty Metcalf purchased 65 acres of land from his father, Ebenezer, to continue farming and living in the beautiful Arnold Mills area.  The HMFFPA would like to honor his hard work and the Franklin's by preserving this land as it has been used for the past 200 + years, as a farm.


Mowing the Fields

The mix of grasses and forbs in old fields are an interesting array of plants that provide habitat for a number of grassland animals. Without regular mowing old fields naturally revert to forest land through a process known as "succession".  Within a few years, woody shrubs and tree seedlings take over much of an old field. Given 15- 20 years, the former fields become dominated by 10 to 20 foot tall trees. Bi-annual mowing of Franklin Farm fields continues to preserve the contours and openness of the land.


The Rock Walls

Early - mid 19th Century dry-laid farm walls surround Franklin Farm with the highest stone wall found in the northeaster corner of the Franklin Farm.  HMFFPA is continually seeking volunteers to help maintain these historic walls.


Grounds Improvements:

2024 Split Rail Fence


Scout Projects At Franklin Farm

Thank you Scouts for helping to preserve Cumberland's historic property and encouraging our community enjoy the wide open spaces at Franklin Farm.  The following are Scout Projects completed over the years.

  1. West Field Trail Markers Upper: Bryan Sullivan
  2. Little Lending Library Box, Story Time Boxes & Blankets: Morgan Watson
  3. Recipe Book-
  4. Boxes for storing Shelters (Tents): Luke Hamel
  5. (1865 Barn)- Four Passage Doors replaced including hardware & windows: Nick Petrisch
  6. 3 Picnic Tables & Colonial Garden Fencing: Brendon Vaudrain
  7. 4 Picnic Tables: Dave Cabatingan
  8. Information Board: Matt Iwuc
  9. East Field Franklin Farm Sign: David Barbosa
  10. East Field Trail Markers: Peter McMichael
  11. East Field Information Markers
  12. West Field Trail Markers: AJ Welt
  13. West Field Information Markers- Matt Vaudrain
  14. West Field Stream Crossing to Upper Field
  15. West Field Franklin Farm Sign: Steven Ward

16.  Garden Boxes for Farm Science Education

17.  Chicken Enclosure- Ian Zito

18.  Chicken House: Ben Dubeau

19.  Rabbit Hutch

20.  Blue Bird Houses

21.  Bat Houses- Vladimir Seale

22.  Benches West Field (near Hayfield Road)-Colin Scott

23.  Flag Pole: Chandler Beaulieu

24.  Hay Wagon: Mitchell Mudge

25.  Steps for Hay Wagon: Conor Enesvedt

26.  5K Fun Run: Kerri Connolly

27.  Community Garden Vegetable Signs

28.  Community Garden Row Signs & Signs for Parking

Artists & Photographers

We welcome artists & photographers on both the east and west fields of Franklin Farm from sunup to sunset.

Guidelines 

1. We have a Leave No Trace policy. Whatever you bring in- you must bring out. 

2. Park in the designated parking areas (pull up to the fence). We also recommend when giving directions to provide 152 Abbott Run Valley Road (barn driveway & parking ares)

3. You are not allowed to drive on the fields. You may walk out with props. 

4. During the summer, we have children's programs. There is no photographing any program activity.

5. You can use the exteriors of the house, barns & fields for your photos. Do not climb on any equipment. 


We are collecting photos/ paintings from artists to display at our Harvest Festival in September. If you have a particularly memorable photo we welcome your donation.   We also ask that if you share it on social media, you use our tag #franklinfarmri @franklinfarmri


We hope the beauty of Franklin Farm inspires some amazing photos. If you have any further questions, please let us know. 

The Town Of Cumberland's Public Water Well Treatment Building &  Well Head Development on the Historic Metcalf-Franklin Farm is complete. For information regarding this project please contact the Town of Cumberland's Water Department at (401) 658-0666.