Like every other person who has stepped foot on the hallowed grounds of Mt. Hope Farm, executive director Brenda A. Turchetta gets a special feeling knowing full-well that things continue to go in a positive direction whereby everyone, young and old, can take advantage of this magnificent piece of property.

One of the things Turchetta, (who’s about to mark her second year as executive director at the farm), has on her agenda, is building a new animal barn, among other points of importance.

“We’re also trying to get more people to come here to the farm. We’ve had some really nice events here. We always look for different ways to appeal to different audiences. Every day here, there’s always something going on. This is our 25th anniversary in operation as Mount Hope Farm; the year the trust was officially put in place to manage and care for this beautiful property.”

Originally from Wenham, Mass., Turchetta went to the University of New Hampshire and graduated with a BA in English. She worked in telecommunications in Boston as Senior VP of Operations until moving to Rhode Island in 2011. She is married to David Turchetta and lives in Tiverton with their two dogs, Hinkley and Stella.

Brenda joined the board of trustees at Mount Hope Farm in 2018; and became involved in grant writing for the farm. She became executive director in 2021.

Jonathan Feinstein, president of the Mt. Hope Farm Board of Trustees, says Brenda has been an invaluable asset to the Farm.

“She’s been fantastic,” he beamed. “She has really been instrumental in getting the staff and community together. And, she’s also led the way in getting new grants.”

As Brenda stipulated earlier, there is still more important work to be done.

“The goals for me in this role are to grow our reach in the community through offering more programs that appeal to a broad range of audience, increase educational programming, and bring more children/schools to the farm, and expand agricultural focus,” she said. “A new barn will be coming in the fall of 2023 to provide much improved accommodations to our animals and the volunteers who care for them.”

Turchetta is also delighted and proud to have Mt. Hope Farm Property Superintendent Arnold Gonsalves on board.

“He has worked at Mount Hope Farm for over 25 years,” she noted, “and was employed at the Farm under Charlie Fouty while the Haffenreffer Family was still residing here. He cares for the grounds to ensure the land is always in the best shape possible for all guests/visitors, amongst many other things. I couldn’t do this job without him.”

She continued, “We have a free, walking tour app that you can download and walk the property to learn about our history. We also have an Inn of 12 rooms; three buildings in total. Rent a whole house or just a room.”

There will also be an upcoming lecture, “Doctoring Words with Dr. Ed Iannuccilli, Dr. Michael Fine”, moderated by Dante Bellini, on April 20 at 6 p.m. in the Barn.

Other upcoming events include: Springfest – May 13; Mother’s Day Brunch – May 14; Vintage Market – May 20 and May 21; and Cool Jazz Fundraising Gala celebrating 25 years of Mount Hope Farm – Aug. 6, 4 p.m.

Town Administrator Steve Contente also likes what’s going on these days at Mt. Hope Farm.

“I think it's nice that Camp Wetu is back to provide a summer camp for youth to explore and be outdoors, and that Mt. Hope Farm encourages the public to walk and hike the property,” he noted.

Mt. Hope Farm, for those unfamiliar with its history, is a 127-acre farm site on the shores of Mount Hope Bay and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also recognized as an accredited Arboretum.

The gardens, trails and walking paths are open daily (except holidays and during private events) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no admission charge. However, as a nonprofit organization, visitors can choose to become Mount Hope Farm members to help support its efforts.