In 1732 Joseph Phillips purchased 125 acres in Mercer County, and his land has been farmed continuously since that time. The Howell Living History Farm was a gift of its last owner, Inez Howell, to the Mercer County Park Commission for the purpose of teaching the children of New Jersey the history of farming. The Henry Phillips House is the domestic centerpiece of the 130-acre farm that is interpreted as a self-sufficient early 20th century family farmstead.  Seasonal programs involve visitors in preparing fields for planting, harvesting, and caring for farm animals.

The current grant will help fund the preparation of a fund raising strategy for work on the Pleasant Valley School and Joseph Philips House, two recent acquisitons.  The

2008 Trust grant is funding the second phase of rehabilitation for the Henry Phillips House, including installation of new heating and ventilation systems, framing repairs, roof replacement, accessibility improvements and restoration of windows, doors and interior finishes. The proposed work is part of the recommendations of a  Historic Structure Report that was funded with a previous Trust grant.

The 2000 grant helped fund a site master plan. The current Trust grant will help fund a fundraising plan model to leverage grant funding and corporate investment.

 For more information, visit: http://www.howellfarm.com/