Application Number: 24.10-13
Name of Organization:Norman Bird Sanctuary
Type of Organization:Non Profit
Location:Middletown, RI
Project Timing:Exhibition event opening Summer 2014
Project Title:Marketing for Paradise Valley Farmhouse
Project Synopsis:The Paradise Farmhouse and the Norman Bird Sanctuary is significant for its association with the artist John LaFarge, who painted in “Paradise” from 1861-1864. Even today, many of the sites that LaFarge depicted remain unchanged.
Built in the 18th Century; the Paradise Farmhouse is the original home of our founder, Mabel Norman. The Norman family’s use of Paradise Farm as a country estate in the early-to-mid-20th century transformed the property to its current configuration and use. It is this development that created the most change, and offered the most enhancement and protection for the property as we know it.
The Paradise Farmhouse, once complete, will be a cornerstone for the many groups and individuals who value the Norman Bird Sanctuary’s unique past. Keeping and reusing historic buildings has long-term benefits for the communities that value them. It is our hope that an adaptive re-use of the Paradise Farmhouse will restore and maintain the historic significance of the building and help to ensure its long term survival.
The following provides RWU CPC with an array of work that will be needed to complete the Farmhouse and prepare it for use as an interpretive museum and program residency. NBS will look to RWU to plan and provide expertise in agricultural history, public history, archival development and preservation, marketing and museum design.
What is the Final Product Output for this Project: Marketing plan for new Paradise Farm programs.
Produce an historical narrative and exhibit storyline with the NBS collection that states program goals and targets primary audience. This step is based on marketing the first 5 years of programming. The first 2 years will be based onthe educational programs that we already have here at NBS and would incorporate the historic and cultural significance into our offerings over the course of the next 3 years.
Designated Support from Staff/Volunteers: yes 2 staff
Does this Project have Funding?The Paradise Farmhouse project is not listed as a line item in the NBS operating budget. The Farmhouse has a separate budget that has designated $70,000 in start-up costs for staff and marketing expenses
How will this Project Benefit the Organization?The Norman Bird Sanctuary seeks to transform the 250 year-old Paradise Farmhouse into a nature retreat center that supports expanded environmental education programming for adults and families. The project will embrace the history and diversity of Mabel’s land to create a unique venue for ecotourism programs, while keeping with her vision. It is our intention to share this magnificent resource with urban youth groups, ornithologists, environmentalists and people from around the world who are interested in exploring her property.
The 6,000 foot structure will provide overnight accommodations, common meeting spaces and public rooms for guests participating in multi-day programs.
Why are you Seeking the CPC’s Help?Please refer to the above list of consultants, etc. that have been involved in the Farmhouse project. The majority of these professionals have been paid for services rendered. However, The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a small nonprofit organization with limited resources. Our staff consists of 7 fulltime employees and 4 Americorps volunteers. The scope of this project is beyond our capacity at this time, and our current staff does not have the knowledge nor expertise to complete such a project.
Project Type/Discipline:Marketing
Past CPC Participant?:NO
Potential RWU Involvement: Marketing