A Journey Through the Centuries
We cultivate a sanctuary of learning, where the roots of history are intertwined with the vibrant branches of education. Our mission is to inspire a community-driven ethos of connecting with nature and history. The physical beauty and medicinal powers of flowers and trees inspire sustainable and holistic understanding of our living world through immersive experiences.
DeWitt Clinton: Pioneer of Buxton Pond Farm (1769-1828)
Picture stepping back to the early 19th century when DeWitt Clinton, a visionary statesman and the creator of the Erie Canal in 1825, stayed at Buxton Pond Farm. Clinton, known for his leadership as New York City Mayor, Senator and Governor of New York State as well as presidential candidate, helped make New York the epicenter of business it is today. He was a famous naturalist who believed that nature taught vital lessons for both survival and innovation. While on a botany trip with David Hosack, he was inspired to create the Erie Canal.
David Hosack: The Botanical Legacy (1769-1835)
Enter the realm of botanical wonders with David Hosack, DeWitt Clinton's best friend from their Columbia University days. Hosack, a pioneering physician, educator and botanist, left an indelible mark on the world of herbalism and botany. Not only did he create the nation’s first botanical garden, but he was the doctor for both Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. At the heart of our center lies the David Hosack Healing Garden, a tribute to his legacy as well as his friendship with DeWitt Clinton. This garden, teeming with medicinal plants and herbs, stands as a living testament to Hosack's passion for healing through nature.
Gertrude Berg, aka Molly Goldberg: Guardian of Greenhouses (1899-1966)
The echoes of history resonate in the greenhouse that still stands tall on our grounds: a testament to the 50-year residence of Gertrude Berg, the Oprah of her day.. A woman of profound influence, Berg, an actress and playwright, made Buxton Pond Farm her sanctuary. As mentioned in a 2009 movie about her life, “You Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg,” Berg was the secondmost admired woman after Eleanor Roosevelt. She was also an advocate for the immigrant experience and multiculturalism. Berg fought against injustice by standing up to Sen. Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s. Today, her beloved greenhouse serves a learning space where her spirit continues to inspire us all.
Underground Railroad
Buxton Pond Farm also served as a safe house for those escaping slavery. Stone walls which surround the property served as tunnels for the Underground Railroad. Freedom seekers would learn about homes that welcomed and helped, and Buxton Pond Farm was proudly one of them.
Oldest Schoolhouse in Bedford Hills (1790, Renovated in 2023)
As we celebrate our rich history, we're excited to announce the completion of the renovation of the oldest schoolhouse in Bedford Hills, established in 1790. This historic building will be the heart of our children's programming starting fall 2024, offering a unique blend of education and heritage, as well as perspective on how children just like them learned in previous centuries.
At Buxton Pond Farm Center, our history is not confined to the past; it's a living, breathing narrative that informs our present and shapes our future.
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Join us in this journey through time, where every corner tells a story, and every leaf whispers the wisdom of those who walked before us. As we continue to grow and learn, we invite you to be a part of our living history and future. All are welcome at Buxton Pond Farm Center—a sanctuary of knowledge and respect for cultural history and new beginnings.