Historic Goshen Farm Vandalized

Goshen Farm, the 230-year old farmhouse located in the heart of , was vandalized earlier this week, destroying several newly donated windows, drywall, window framing and cellar door hardware, according to Stu Bailey, Vice President of the .

Bailey said that volunteers have been working to restore the home and its 22 acres of land but have been plagued by several episodes of property destruction over the past few years.

The damage, believed to have occurred between midday on Tuesday and 12:00 p.m. the following day, was discovered by a GFPS member walking his dogs on the property.

Barbara Morgan, president of Goshen Farm Preservation Society said, “This is now—and will continue to be—a community asset and we have all worked so hard. But when we encounter vandalism, it sets us back, which means it will take longer for the vision to become a reality.”

GFPS board members have made it clear they will not tolerate the continuing destruction and are working with police to track down the perpetrators to prevent future incidents. 

Bailey said, “Now that we have the lease and there are more members who are regularly on the property, we will not hesitate to prosecute any vandals found there, or who are tracked down in conjunction with police investigations.”

Several years ago, Goshen Farm and the land located next to Cape St. Claire Elementary School was under threat of development when several community residents banded together to form Goshen Farm Preservation Society. Anne Arundel County Public Schools owns the property but recently began leasing it to GFPS under the agreement that its volunteers restore the home to one day be open to the public.

In addition to accepting individual and corporate donations and sponsorships, Goshen Farm Preservation Society members plan events to raise money for the restoration. On Sunday, March 20, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., the group is planning a event at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.