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A Rich Heritage at Hofwyl-Broadfiled Plantation

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The Hofwyl-Boradfield Plantation is unique in that it represents the culture and history of Georgia’s rice coast where the Brailsford family grew rice from the early 1800s until 1913. When later generations of the Brailsford family agreed to start a dairy rather than abandon their family home, the plantation, along with this family’s heritage, was further preserved. Finally, in 1973, the estate was left to the state of Georgia. Today, this unique plantation home remains, along with its fascinating history, welcoming guests to tour the grounds and visit the museum. Family heirlooms take visitors back in time to an era of genteel low country society.

The beauty of the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation represents a rich heritage and culture as well as a fascinating history of southern Georgia. Between the historic museum and educational tours, visitors will have the opportunity to discover a piece of 19-centry southern charm. The Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation provides visitors with not only fascination, but a memorable educational experience. However, true pride for this irreplaceable, historic home can be found in Friends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site who work so diligently to promote and preserve their beloved site.

In light of historic sites growing struggle to remain open and available to their public due to the state’s growing budget cuts, Friends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation strive to create projects that will draw more visitors while doing their part in helping to preserve this historic home. In 2010, the Friends of Hofwyl-Broadfield applied for the 2010 Matching Grants Program through Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites in order to help meet the growing needs of this historic plantation. With their awarded funds, Friends were able to plan and host their first-ever Easter Egg Hunt. This great event took much planning and preparation from volunteers in order find success. Thankfully, this event drew in a large crowd which not only gave families a wonderful afternoon outing, but Friends were able to promote the site on a larger scale and increase visitation.

Grants funds were also used for a Civil War program in conjunction with Darien’s Blessing of the Fleet. Reenactors from the 26th Georgia Infantry were present as well as five pieces of artillery. The site was able to extend its hours for the event to accommodate the visitors and was a huge success. Not only did these events generate much-needed revenue for the site, but they also facilitated positive publicity for the site.

In addition to increased programming through the year, Friends of Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation was also able to develop a trail at their site which connects the old cutting garden behind the plantation house to the camellia garden, continuing to the garden at the old spring house ruins. This Dent Gardens Trail truly added a new groundswell of interpretive opportunities for staff and guides at the plantation. This trail, named for Miriam Dent who did a substantial amount of the gardening, highlights historic features that had previously been little interpreted. With this new opportunity as well as the beautification of the gardens, this project was truly completed with the site visitors in mind, ready to welcome new guests who wish to explore this charming, historic site.

Through the dedicated efforts of the staff and volunteers as well as the funds granted through Friends of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation has made fantastic improvements and is ready to welcome many new guests who are ready to experience a truly unique, yet fascinating piece of history.