Mission Statement:
The mission of the Friends of Benson Park, Inc. is to develop and maintain the Benson’s Museum & Discovery Center in Hudson, NH, as a premier destination that honors the history of Benson’s Wild Animal Farm and fosters a love of nature and learning.
We are committed to preserving the park’s heritage, providing educational and interactive experiences, and engaging the community through diverse programs and exhibits.
Top Funding Sources:
- Corporate Sponsorships
- Charitable Gaming
- NH Gives
- Annual Membership Appeal
Year Established: Â 2012
Volunteers: Â 60
Annual Revenue: $56,000
Service Locations: Benson Park, Hudson, NH
Community Services Provided: Current programs serve over 5,000 people annually.
Contact:
Natalie Newell
Vice Chairman
27 Kimball Hill Road
P.O. Box 91
Hudson, NH 03051
603-321-0788
natalie.newell@friendsofbensonpark.org
www.friendsofbensonpark.org
2025 Goals:
Our goals include the design, funding and opening of the Benson’s Museum & Discovery Center, to preserve the history and legacy of Benson’s Wild Animal Farm, a beloved animal park that operated in Hudson, NH, from 1926 to 1987. It will serve as a tribute to the unique heritage of the park, once a popular destination for families and animal lovers.
The Discovery Center portion will present hands-on learning experiences that bring the spirit of Benson’s Wild Animal Farm into the present day, by offering interactive exhibits, immersive experiences and educational programs that connect visitors with the natural world and its inhabitants.
Together, Benson’s Museum & Discovery Center honors the past while looking toward the future, ensuring that the legacy of Benson’s Wild Animal Farm continues to inspire and educate.
Fundraising Events:
NH Gives – June 2025
Nash Casino – Date 2025 TBD
5th Annual Family Fun Day – September 2025
Annual Membership Appeal – Nov. 2025
Giving Opportunities:
Grants
Sponsorships
Memberships (Individual, Family, Senior and Corporate)
Volunteer Opportunities:
Board Trustees
Committees including Fundraising, Admin., Event Planning
Benson Park Store – Management & Sales
Board Officers  /  Board Members
Deb Federico
Chairman
Family Promise of Southern New Hampshire
Natalie Newell
Vice Chairman
Retired Sales Exec.
Karen McLavey
Treasurer
Retired Financial Exec.
John Leone
Trustee
BAE Systems
James Leach
Trustee
Sales Exec.
Charitable Giving Guide
This profile is part of NH Business Review’s 2025 Charitable Giving Guide.
To learn more about the Charitable Giving Guide and other New Hampshire nonprofit organizations, please visit www.nhbr.com/CGG.
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