Farmgirl Roadtrip: A Visit to the Wee Fairie Village

In the coastal area of New England lies a wonderful little village – one full of imagination and whimsy! Open to the public from the end of September to the end of October, it’s truly a magical place…you never know what you will see at the Wee Faerie Village!

New England is so picturesque, and Connecticut is no exception. There are also fabulous museums scattered about the state. One you do not want to miss is the Florence Griswold Museum, in Old Lyme! A wonderful place to visit anytime of year, in the autumn the Wee Faerie Village outdoor exhibit is enchanting! Last October, I visited for the first time with a group of friends from my doll club. 

It was a perfect, beautiful day. We had more fun following the trail of little homes and other tiny, miniature structures that make up the outdoor exhibit. Each fall, there is a different theme. Last year’s theme was “Yesterville – A Wee Old Tiny Town.” 

The idea behind the Wee Faerie House outdoor exhibit came in 2004. Director of Education, David D. J. Rau (who is now Curator of Visitor Engagement), was asked to create a program to bridge the gap between the busy summer months and the museum’s big holiday exhibit, utilizing the beautiful fall leaves. He wanted something outdoors that would bring families. The first year, they started with fairy houses created by a handful of designers and artists. In three weeks, 10,000 visitors attended! Now, the “process is refined”, and visitation is growing each year, with families, couples, groups, and all ages delighting in visiting the exhibit each year. Since 2009, the Wee Faerie Village has had over 190,000 visitors!

Each ”Wee Faerie“ structure is made by a different artist, individual, or group. Some designers have been with them since the beginning. Designers must have been invited to the design team, submitting an application and a sample of their work through the museum’s website. 

Located in Old Lyme, Connecticut the “FloGris” museum was once the home of Florence Griswold, born on Christmas Day in 1850. “Miss Florence” was the daughter of a wealthy sea captain and his wife. At one point in the late 1870’s, Florence and her sisters served as teachers, along with their mother, when the family home housed a girls’ finishing school. However, at around age fifty, Florence found herself with a changed fortune, and alone. At this time, she then turned her home into a boarding house. Artists started coming to the home, “and that was lucky”, says Tammi Flynn, Director of Communications & Brand Strategy. “Artists found great landscapes and beautiful gardens”.

From 1900 to the 1930’s, many great impressionist painters came to the estate, and the “Old Lyme Art Colony” was formed, made up of great artists such as Matilda Browne. Artists who stayed at the home were also encouraged to paint a panel on a wall, door, or fireplace mantel. Miss Florence made deep friendships with the artists who graced her home as boarders, and having them also helped her maintain her family home for the remainder of her life.

When Miss Florence passed, the artists wanted people to see the painted panels, so through the Florence Griswold Association, the home was first open to the public on weekends. The home officially became a museum in the 1960’s, now also a National Historic Landmark and the “crown jewel” of the FloGris Museum. At the time of her death, Miss Florence had lost much of the land – fortunately, through the years, the twelve acres of land was bought back. 

My friends and I loved seeing each structure on our visit, marveling at the exquisite detail and creativity. Each one was unique! We also ate a lovely, delicious lunch at the museum’s cafe, featuring outdoor patio seating and open May to November. 

This year’s village theme, on display until November 2nd, is “Gardeners’ Grove, A Growing Community”.  It sounds intriguing (and definitely peaks my gardener/farmgirl interest)! I’m sure the exhibit this year is just as full of surprises and wonderful whimsy! It’s a wonderful destination.

Wee Faerie Village is just one special exhibit during the year; another must-see exhibit happens at the holidays, when  fantasy trees decorate the museum, with over 200 artist pallets that are only put out at the holidays, gracing trees like ornaments.

I hope you enjoyed our trip! No matter the time of year, the Florence Griswold museum is a must-vist!

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