The Friends of Harkness Memorial State Park was established as a volunteer organization in 1992. Since its inception, the Friends group has grown to more than 1,200 volunteers and contributors. The Friends work to promote the restoration of the Harkness Mansion and grounds.
Volunteers continually work on the gardens, caring for the plantings and garden statuary.
In addition, a great deal of time and effort is being put into restoring the greenhouses. The greenhouses are of historical significance, housing the oldest surviving grapery in the state, as well as serving an important functional purpose. The greenhouses have been used to reproduce plants for the existing gardens. For further information on events sponsored by the Friends of Harkness or to become a member write to Friends of Harkness, PO Box 10, Waterford, CT 06385.