White Memorial: Celebrating Alain and May White’s Legacy at Whitehall
If you’ve ever spent a quiet morning walking the Little Pond Boardwalk Trail, or exploring some of the 40 miles of other trails winding through the woods of Litchfield and Morris, you have two visionary siblings to thank: Alain C. White and May W. White.
In the early 1900s, long before modern conservation was a household concept, the Whites quietly began buying up parcels of land surrounding their beloved family estate, Whitehall, on the north shore of Bantam Lake. By 1913, they formally turned these lands over to the White Memorial Foundation—creating a pristine, 4,000-acre sanctuary that has served as Litchfield’s backyard, classroom, and ecological crown jewel for over a century.
As part of the town’s ongoing celebration of American’s 250th, you have a unique opportunity to step back in time and see how this incredible gift came to be.
Whitehall Then and Now with Gerri Griswold
On Saturday, July 18, at 2:00 p.m., head over to the A. B. Ceder Room at the White Memorial Conservation Center for a stunning presentation: Whitehall Then and Now, hosted by the Conservation Center’s own Gerri Griswold.
This visual journey will offer:
A Glimpse into the Past: Archival photos of Alain and May White, their grand lifestyle at Whitehall, and the early days of their pioneering land acquisitions.
National Impact: The fascinating story of how these two quiet Litchfield residents became recognized as some of the greatest conservationists in United States history.
A Portrait of the Present: A gorgeous showcase of Whitehall today, featuring stunning, modern photographs of the diverse plant and animal life that thrives on the property—captured by local photographers and nature lovers just like you.
Turning a Private Home into a Public Sanctuary
It’s fitting that the presentation takes place right in the heart of the property. In 1964, the White Memorial Foundation established the Conservation Center, housing it directly within the historic walls of Whitehall itself. What was once a private family home is now a living, breathing educational hub and Nature Museum, welcoming over 20,000 visitors, hikers, students, and families every year.
Whether you are a lifelong resident who walks these trails daily or a weekend visitor discovering Bantam Lake for the first time, come celebrate the history and the continuing legacy of this extraordinary local gift.
Event Details:
What: LITCHFIELD 250: Whitehall Then and Now with Gerri Griswold
When: Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: A. B. Ceder Room, White Memorial Conservation Center (80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT)
Cost: FREE (Donations are warmly accepted to support the Center’s year-round educational programming).
Registration: Pre-registration is required. You can secure your spot directly through the White Memorial Conservation Center Event Page.
