The NGO
In July 2022, we attained a prestigious milestone by being accredited by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This recognition places us among a select few organizations worldwide, enhancing our ability to impact our town and surrounding communities positively.
Our special consultative status with the UN opens doors to an extensive global network of NGOs and Member States. This connection provides us with unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and drive initiatives that align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By engaging in meaningful dialogues and partnerships, we aim to inspire change and create a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Our accreditation not only elevates our profile on the international stage but also strengthens our commitment to local growth and development. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we work together to build a brighter tomorrow for all.
Our History
Hunt Hill Farm is a unique part of New England’s colonial history. It stretches across two original farms, the Hine-Buckingham Farms and Bostwick farm, which total 185 acres of land and are located in Northville, a village in New Milford. Visiting Hunt Hill Farm gives visitors an opportunity to explore the past by seeing its 17th and 18th century houses and barns, along with other outbuildings. Ruth and Skitch Henderson have been preserving this incredible piece of history since they purchased their first parcel, comprising of 137 acres on the east side of East Aspetuck River Valley, in 1968; adding the neighboring Bostwick farm four years later in 1972. If you’re looking for a glimpse into the past, make sure to take a little trip to Hunt Hill Farm!
When Ruth and Skitch Henderson settled in their rural Connecticut country retreat in 1968, they likely had no idea that one day it would become a world-famous hub for culture, arts and history. Now known as Hunt Hill Farm, the birthplace of the New York Pops Orchestra, home of The Silo Cooking School, The Silo Gallery and The Skitch Henderson Museum, the Henderson’s property is dedicated to its preservation – showcasing an impressive collection of archives, music scores, books dating back to 18th century and artifacts from both historical times gone by and the modern age. Whether it’s the vintage clocks and watches lining the shelves or the carousel horses hanging from the rafters, a visit to Hunt Hill Farm sparks curiosity in visitors of all ages looking to get an insider’s look into Connecticut’s past. The grand pièce de résistance however is undoubtedly the ‘CD 199 Steinway’ or Old 199 as it has come to be known worldwide as the “OLD199” the world’s most sought-after Steinway Piano ever built – favorite piano by such famous pianists Rachmaninoff, Graffman, Horowitz, Bernstein and Hamlisch. With something here to captivate everyone’s interests, visiting Hunt Hill Farm promises an unforgettable experience.
Hunt Hill Farm is a slice of paradise just minutes from some of the busiest cities in America. Set amidst the rolling hills of picturesque farmland, you have access to hundreds of acres of gorgeous open space and towering stonewalls that stay true to its days as an 1700’s dairy farm. All this, set in the convenience of being 90 minutes away from New York City and neighboring both Fairfield and Hartford counties. It’s incredible that this little oasis is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places – adding yet another layer to its already awe-inspiring character. What a dreamy place to while away your time!
Our Founders
Ruth and Skitch Henderson’s fateful journey to the Litchfield Hills in 1968 was something neither of them could have ever expected. While out for a countryside drive with a friend, they stumbled upon what appeared to be an unremarkable farm along a secluded road near New Milford – just two silos still standing tall amidst falling-down barns. But this seemingly ordinary place sparked an enthusiasm within the couple that they couldn’t shake. It felt like the land somehow knew they were meant to restore its former glory, bringing cheer and frivolity back to these aged fields. Despite returning to their city life, Ruth remembers the perfect clarity of her initial attraction: “I fell in love with the barnyard the first time I saw it.” Little did Ruth and Skitch know at that moment, but this unexpected meeting with an old pasture would later become their dream fulfilled, lovingly restored into Hunt Hill Farm and The Silo.
Their living quarters was at the 1836 barn in the Buckingham-Bostwick barn and cowhouse; the CD 199 concert grand occupies a corner of the great room there. When they entertained friends in the nearby tobacco barn, meals where prepared in the barbecue shed. An avid collector of antiques and Americana, Skitch’s collections are found throughout the complex. They range from clocks, musical instruments and holograph scores, model airplanes, and toys, to early farm tools and machinery, the latter stored in the field barn on Upland Road. Carousel animals highlight the lofts in the great room of the house and his studio, which also contains his extensive musical archive, and a studio grand Steinway piano, signed by four of the Steinways. The proposed use of the complex as a public museum for the display of Americana under the aegis of the Smithsonian Institution and the transfer of land to a public conservation trust in 2004 helped assure the continued preservation of the integrity of this extraordinary agricultural resource.
Their living quarters was at the 1836 barn in the Buckingham-Bostwick barn and cowhouse; the CD 199 concert grand occupies a corner of the great room there. When they entertained friends in the nearby tobacco barn, meals where prepared in the barbecue shed. An avid collector of antiques and Americana, Skitch’s collections are found throughout the complex. They range from clocks, musical instruments and holograph scores, model airplanes, and toys, to early farm tools and machinery, the latter stored in the field barn on Upland Road. Carousel animals highlight the lofts in the great room of the house and his studio, which also contains his extensive musical archive, and a studio grand Steinway piano, signed by four of the Steinways. The proposed use of the complex as a public museum for the display of Americana under the aegis of the Smithsonian Institution and the transfer of land to a public conservation trust in 2004 helped assure the continued preservation of the integrity of this extraordinary agricultural resource.
Skitch Henderson came to the United States in 1932. He was actively involved in the early years of radio and the development of television. After serving as a pilot in the RAF and the USAAF during World War II, he resumed his career, becoming musical director for NBC Radio and TV from 1952-1966. Perhaps best known as the band leader for the “Tonight Show” with Steve Allen and Johnny Carson, he also was a conductor for the New York and London Philharmonic orchestras and the Tulsa, Oklahoma Symphony. On his 85th birthday in 2003, Skitch celebrated the 50th anniversary of his debut at Carnegie Hall at the Steinway Centenary Concert, and his 20 years there as founder and director of the New York Pops, the culmination of a career as an accomplished pianist, composer, and conductor.
Nobody had a spirit like Ruth. She was passionate, creative, and generous in her approach to life and it showed through her many endeavors. Her career as a fashion model allowed her to express her individuality from an early age, setting the stage for the rest of the incredible things she would achieve throughout her life. After settling in New York City with her husband, Ruth opened several successful restaurants and truly became a figurehead in the world of art and food. The crowning jewel of these successes was The Silo – which she created alongside her friend Louise King – transforming a previously bare land into an iconic destination for fine food lovers around the country. Ruth had such strong faith in community that she threw herself headfirst into being an active participant on commissions and boards in New Milford, touching even more lives than she had already throughout her lifetime. Though it’s been six years since we lost her, we will never forget how much impact Ruth had on all of us who were lucky enough to know her!
