History of the Horne Family Foundation

The Horne Family has strong ties to the Massachusetts Merrimack Valley Region, dating back as early as 1861. George B. Horne, founder of the foundation, was born and raised in the area and was instrumental in expanding his father’s valve manufacturing business, Watts Regulator Company, as an integral part of the Merrimack Valley’s economy.  Originally based in Lawrence, home to the textile revolution of the early 1900’s, Watts Regulator grew from a small, family-oriented venture to a global force in the water technology industry.

From the establishment of his career at Watts as head of marketing and sales in 1936 to his retirement in 1978, George Horne was committed to expanding his family business and educating the public on the importance of water quality and safety. His eldest son, Timothy, took over the reins of the company in 1978 until his retirement in 2002. Under his tutelage, the company went public and began an acquisition program that established Watts as an international presence. In the meantime, George, having been a lifelong conservationist, decided to further his philanthropic interests by forming the Horne Family Foundation in 1990. Upon his death in 2006, Timothy assumed the Executive Director position and his granddaughter, Tara, is currently Program Officer. Originally intended to support local charities in the areas of land preservation, education and human services, the Foundation strives to broaden its program interests to include the national and global communities.

Our Areas of Interest

CONSERVATION, PRESERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP OF OUR OPEN SPACE
One of George Horne’s chief concerns was protecting public lands and preserving species habitat, in hopes of ensuring a future where large tracts of land would be unspoiled by development.

PRESERVING A LEGACY AND MAINTAINING ONGOING SUPPORT IN THE GREATER MERRIMACK VALLEY/SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE  REGION
The Horne family has a long history of supporting local hospitals, community centers, human services, education and child development/leadership training in the area.

ADDRESSING GLOBAL CONCERNS IN THE AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT AND RELIEF, HEALTHCARE,  HUMAN SERVICES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The Foundation is committed to joining the efforts to eradicate poverty and the health crises in developing countries through innovative programs such as microfinancing and global village projects.

EDUCATION
The Foundation seeks to create opportunities for a stronger and better educational system through improved support for teachers and scholastic programs.

HEALTHCARE & HUMAN SERVICES
The Foundation is striving to contribute significantly to AIDS funding and research, cancer aid and research and hospice care.    

ARTS
The Foundation believes in supporting cultural endeavors such as museums, film and art programs.

ANIMAL WELFARE/WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
George Horne’s lifelong interest in land conservation extended to an avid interest in animal protection, both domestic and in the wild.



PUBLIC NOTICE
The Horne Family Foundation, Inc. announces that its annual Tax Return is available for inspection at the offices of its Counsel, Flowers and Manning, LLP, 15 Court Square , Ste. 340, Boston, MA 02108, during regular business hours.  Please contact Attorney Walter J. Flowers, telephone number 617-589-0601.