The porter-phelps-huntington museum, an 18TH-century farmstead in western massachusetts, will undertake historical research and develop programs focused on the experiences of four individuals whose…

The porter-phelps-huntington museum, an 18TH-century farmstead in western massachusetts, will undertake historical research and develop programs focused on the experiences of four individuals whose stories embody the complex relationship between american independence and servitude. In addition, the museum will restore a garden originally created by one of the individuals. The museum will partner with the university of massachusetts amherst to hire two graduate students to conduct research, write narrative accounts, and assist with program development. Museum staff will contract with a gardener to prepare and plant the new garden. The project will broaden the museum's interpretation and position IT to make significant contributions to massachusetts REV250 programming to commemorate the nation's founding. The resulting archive of materials will benefit researchers and students and the new garden and programming will enhance the visitor experience.