By 1812Blockhouse, Malabar Farm Foundation
You likely know of Malabar Farm State Park, a unit of the State of Ohio which owns and operates Malabar Farm, the home of noted author Louis Bromfield.
You might not be as familiar, however, with the Malabar Farm Foundation — and if you like the place and the Bromfield legacy, you should be.
The process of getting to know the Foundation has become easier with the launch on May 5 of a brand new informative and entertaining website.
In an announcement on social media, the Foundation shared:
“The Malabar Farm Foundation today launched a new updated website in support of the historical preservation efforts at the 1940s-era home of Ohio Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield located at Malabar Farm State Park. Since its founding in 1993, the Malabar Farm Foundation has provided support totaling over $2 million in projects to the ODNR ,Malabar Farm State Park, including the construction of the Visitors Education Center in 2006.
We are happy to announce that on May 5, 2021, the launch of the newly updated and redesign of the Malabar Farm Foundation website at www.malabarfarm.org. Visitors from all over the country, and around the globe, come to explore the grounds and tour the Big House. In a normal year, Malabar Farm is host to thousands of visitors…
Conservation and Preservation Projects
In 1993, the Malabar Farm Foundation, Inc. was established as an all-volunteer, community advisory board and private non-profit foundation to provide assistance to Malabar Farm State Park in preserving the legacy of Louis Bromfield through donations, projects, fundraising, and grants. In 2014, the Malabar Farm Foundation began funding a restoration and preservation project for Louis Bromfield’s extensive art collection in the Big House at Malabar Farm.
To date, 43 oil paintings, 3 watercolor paintings, and a series of French still-life prints have been restored by the Intermuseum Conservation Association (ICA) in Cleveland. Over 100 pieces of artwork are still in need of restoration work. The Foundation has contributed more than $100,000 toward this effort, and the work continues. When the art restoration project is complete, the Foundation hopes to turn its attention to the preservation of original Bromfield family textiles on display in the Big House.
Louis Andres, Malabar Farm Foundation Founder had this to say, “When I first thought of the creation of the Malabar Farm Foundation, I wanted to continue the legacy and life of Louis Bromfield. What better way to promote and preserve his writings and expand his influence than through today’s internet technology.”
“This new website brings Bromfield’s works to a new generation still dealing with many of the same environmental and conservation issues we face even today”, said Louis.
He added, “Bromfield was a powerful influencer using the power of his pen. Today, the foundation can influence the next generation using the power of the internet.”
What the New Website has to Offer
The vintage look of the new foundation website gives it a unique feel and distinct 1950’s era look that showcases the land, legacy and life of Louis Bromfield and Malabar Farm. The new website focuses on the history and legacy of the farm and the ongoing role the Foundation plays in the renovation and preservation of the Bromfield home and its many artifacts.
About the new website, Andres said, “This new website celebrates Bromfield’s Life and Legacy and the important role the foundation plays in the preservation and education of future generations.”
The website includes many never-seen photos, a virtual tour of the Big House, a blog, updates on renovation/preservation projects, a bibliography and a filmography of Bromfield’s works. The new website will offer artwork from local artists, books, ebooks, and items created by the Malabar Farm Spinning and Weaving Guild for purchase. Part of the proceeds will support preservation efforts and collaboration with other local community organizations.
This project was made possible through the volunteer efforts of Louis Andres, Malabar Farm Foundation Founder and First Executive Director, and Ginger Patterson, IT Volunteer and Founder of Growth Zone Media. This project was completed in local partnership with DRM Productions. The website is a great resource to learn and explore the legacy of Louis Bromfield and involve our community of friends. In addition, a new Facebook page @Malabar Farm Foundation was also recently launched. It features upcoming events and historical highlights. We invite you to come and explore Malabar Farm’s new home on the web at www.malabarfarm.org.”
Photos: 1812Blockhouse, Malabar Farm Foundation
