Willington on the Way April-2026
Dear Reader,
I love the saying, “Man plans and God laughs.” He’s been doing a fair amount of laughing lately.
I originally planned to write about farms this time of year — planting season, small-town business, and the steady rhythm of spring. Instead, I found myself learning how to write grants for the projects we’re working on here in Willington. The first lesson? We needed a clearer, updated mission statement.
When Jeanne located our original statement from the early 2000s, I was struck by how much we’ve grown since then. So I sat down to write one that reflects who we are today — and, just as importantly, where we hope to go. After some editing, soul-searching, and thoughtful input from our volunteers and board members, the new Mission and Vision were presented to the board last Thursday — and approved.
And that, as they say, is how the farm article got “canned.”
What follows is our newly adopted Mission and Vision, along with our guiding tagline.
Barry
Mission Statement
Willington on the Way exists to preserve, restore, and activate our historic campus of late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings as a living center for education, culture, and community life.
We are committed to safeguarding the architectural heritage of Willington — including our Bookshop, History Center, Curiosity Shop, African-American Center, Old Post Office, and surrounding historic structures — while thoughtfully expanding our footprint to secure additional buildings for community use.
Our mission is not simply to maintain old buildings, but to breathe life into them — using these spaces to host educational programs, exhibits, local history initiatives, cultural events, and collaborative community projects.
We steward these properties as shared community assets, ensuring they remain vibrant centers of learning, storytelling, and civic engagement for generations to come.
Vision Statement
We envision Willington as a thriving historic campus where preserved buildings serve as active, welcoming spaces filled with learning, creativity, and community pride.
Our goal is a fully restored and expanded collection of historic structures working together as a unified destination — a place where diverse stories are honored, heritage is preserved, and neighbors gather with purpose.
Through responsible growth and long-term stewardship, we aim to create a sustainable model of rural revitalization that strengthens community identity and inspires future generations.
Organizational Direction
Preserve and fully restore existing historic buildings
Acquire and rehabilitate additional adjacent historic properties
Expand educational, cultural, and heritage programming
Increase community engagement and volunteer participation
Strengthen financial sustainability through grants, donations, and partnerships
Maintain properties as community-centered assets (not commercial rental enterprises)
