We are sorry to share that one of the American Museum & Gardens’ long term and generous supporters, Barbara Slifka, sadly passed away on 22 June in New York City after declining health over the past several years.

We are very grateful for all that Barbara did to support us, with substantial gifts including several capital projects. Examples include the Coach House and Stables refurbishment in 2010, and in more recent years the New American Garden in 2018 and the Children’s Garden in 2020, all of which have transformed the American Museum & Gardens.

Following a masterplan and design led by Washington DC-based landscape architectural firm, Oehme, van Sweden, the site now includes stunning gardens that frame breathtaking views enjoyed by visitors of all ages. How this project came about is an inspiring and fascinating story, shared in 2020 by Eric Groft, CEO and Director of Oehme, van Sweden. Eric talks about an evening spent with Barbara Slifka, in her gardens in the Hamptons along with Susan Guilia another long-term and dedicated supporter of the American Museum.

“…Barbara and Susan said they had something special to ask me, and immediately my mind raced: when these two casually drop something like that, they could mean anything. They mentioned it had to do with the American Museum in Britain – a place I had heard them both talk about fondly. I had never been there, but I had always wanted to visit. After the first martini and toast to the summer season, they said, ‘Eric, would you consider doing an American garden at the American Museum in Britain?’ I let a beat go by. ‘I think I could work something out.’ Now for the second martini.”

“Little had been developed on-site since the Museum’s opening. Evergreens, while stately, were overgrown and were blocking views within the campus as well as the jaw-dropping views of the bucolic Limpley Stoke Valley. I saw an immediate need to develop a Landscape Master Plan – a ‘big picture’ approach that would bring the Museum and grounds into the 21st century. I envisioned that the same comprehensive experience that the guests encountered inside the Museum should also await them outside.”

The rest is history. Thanks to the creative vision of Barbara and her generous funding support, the gardens are now enjoyed during every season of the year. Families and adult visitors love the expansive grounds, which host a range events and activities, from outdoor theatre to children’s raves to summer parties. A huge thank you to Barbara from all of us at the American Museum & Gardens.