Our Mission

The Friends of Harkness is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Harkness Estate and to the provisions of Mrs. Harkness’ will, in which she bequeathed the property to the State of Connecticut for the well-being of its citizens.

History of Harkness

Harkness Memorial State Park is the former estate of Edward Stephen Harkness and his wife Mary Stillman Harkness.

Harkness Today

Much of the Park’s historic distinction is attributed to Eolia, the grand former summer home of philanthropists Edward and Mary Harkness, and its surrounding gardens and greenhouse.