Our Mission
The educational mission of New Brook Farm (NBF) is to share information and raise awareness of the historical, social, archaeological, and environmental significance of the Brook Farm site with adults and students in Greater Boston and neighboring communities. Once we have launched a demonstration garden on the site, NBF hopes to promote healthy and “green” practices in the growing of food crops through farm and classroom experiences.
This mission will be achieved on and off-site through tours, workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities. Much of this programming will be in partnership with other organizations such as the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail.
Farming Initiative
New Brook Farm aspires to create a small demonstration garden on a portion of the Brook Farm site. It will:
- Proposal: One-acre, professionally run, all-organic, low-till community farm.
- Protection: Archaeological resources protected by 18 inches of added soil. Access to all historic sites maintained.
- Programming: NBF to continue history and nature programming and add engagement opportunities and food programs.
- Public Benefits: Vegetables grown will help address food insecurity in SW Boston through a local food pantry. NBF to offer youth and volunteer farm education opportunities.
Organization and Board
New Brook Farm was created by local citizens, inspired by the original Brook Farm community and by its natural beauty. We are backyard gardeners, local park advocates, urban agriculture supporters, history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and neighbors who have united around a new vision for its future. Our all-volunteer board brings professional and avocational talents and interests that include urban planning, architecture, landscaping, farming and gardening, education, community development, and more.
New Brook Farm, Inc. became a Massachusetts nonprofit corporation in 2011 and is governed by a board of directors. The organization received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status from the IRS in 2015.
2026-2027 Board Members
Ray Porfilio, AIA, LEED AP – President – Senior Program Manager, Office of Planning at DCAMM
Kathleen McCabe – Vice President, McCabe Enterprises Planning Consultants
David Blumenthal, Esq. – Treasurer – Attorney
William D. Tuttle, III, AICP – Clerk – Planner (retired), Real Estate and Asset Development, Massport
Larry Costello, President, West Roxbury Neighborhood Council, Rose’s Bounty Food Pantry Board Member
Paul Horn, Consultant
Karin Tuttle – Psychologist (retired), Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Boston Public Schools
Jessica Mink – Astronomer and software developer, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics