HADLEY — A new fundraiser to support the continued operations of the Hadley Farm Museum, and also recognize the more than 100 working farms in town, is being initiated by the board that oversees the nonprofit enterprise.
Tom Waskiewicz, the treasurer for the museum and a member of its board, said the idea is to create and then sell T-shirts featuring the names of the 101 fully operational farms that call Hadley home. The museum, located in a 1782 barn in town center next to Town Hall, has a collection of antique vehicles and equipment used on New England farms from the late 1700s to the early 20th century.
A centerpiece in the building, originally part of the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum prior to its move to Route 9, is the restored stagecoach that led Hadley’s 350th Celebration parade in 2009.
Among the other artifacts inside are the first broom-making machine, spinning wheels, cobblers’ benches, hay tedders, butter churns, as well as furnishings, tools, toys and other historic items.
Waskiewicz explains that the volunteer board of directors has an obligation to get the museum to a sustainable future with sound and ethical financial management policies, as well as by making sure that there are adequate resources to advance the mission.
One of the goals for 2023 is to offer educational programs for youth and adults, and that by implementing the fundraiser, as well as continuing to collect user fees and donations, the museum’s future will be preserved.
Waskiewicz said the only income comes from donations from the board and museum visitors, and other support of the Hadley community. Expenses, which come in at just under $4,000 annually, include liability insurance, grounds maintenance and electricity.
The directors are currently taking orders for the Hadley Farms T-shirts, each of which will have short sleeves and be navy blue with white lettering. On the back will be the names of the town’s active farms.
Waskiewicz said this marks the first fundraising effort for the Hadley Farm Museum since 500 Hadleyopoly games were manufactured. That board game, based on the classic Monopoly, was created in 2012.
To order T-shirts, send an email to waskiewiczt@elms.edu, with information including size, and whether the clothing is for an adult or youth. The cost estimate is $20 for each shirt, though that will depend on how many orders are placed.
People will be able to pick up their orders in late November at the Hadley Farm Museum.
