Ferguson House

70 Old Kings Highway North, Darien, CT

New Scouting Building Named in Honor of Eric N. Ferguson

Darien Scouting has another home!

In 2018, The Andrew Shaw Memorial Trust launched a capital campaign to address the need for more program space, due to the increase of Darien Scouting units from one, when the current Scout cabin was built, to the eight that are sponsored today. Plans were underway to build a new Scout cabin with increased space for all the units and flood protection for the future. Fundraising was well on its way, and we were seven two percent towards our goal when COVID hit. Fundraising came to a halt and construction prices soared. However…. while looking for new ways to reach our goal, a new opportunity arose to purchase another nearby building. That opportunity was seized and now we have two Scouting centers in Darien.

It is a fully-renovated antique structure with lots of period details, zoned for commercial use, and centrally located in the heart of Darien’s historic district. Out front is an awe-inspiring oak tree that was present during the American Revolution, and George Washington walked by this house at least twice - a unique reminder of patriotism for our Scouts!

Thanks to the generosity of many donors, we’ve gained indoor and outdoor program space, additional storage, and a location for our thriving online charity auctions that currently fund our Scouting programs. The carriage house, garage, and large backyard provide options for redevelopment, which could include a future large group meeting space.

This new building has been named after Eric. N. Ferguson, one of Darien Scouting’s greatest benefactors.

Eric N. Ferguson was a cherished friend and long-time benefactor of the Darien Scouting program. Over many years, Eric was an invaluable sounding board, motivator, and idea generator, and his unlimited enthusiasm and unceasing generosity has had a big impaction, not only The Andrew Shaw Memorial Trust and Scout Cabin, but also on generations of Scouts.

You may have seen his picture that hangs by the Scoutmaster’s Office door, or the plaque honoring him on the wall outside the conference room in the Scout Cabin. Eric was never a Scout himself, yet he saw the importance of the Scouting program in our community, how its values enriched young men’s lives, and he made great efforts to support and sustain this invaluable resource in out community.