Details
Cost:
US$295*
Project Leader:
Vince LePre and Gerald Gamer, Fifty-Three Restorations, Inc.
Project Sponsors:
Project Partners:
Bartow-Pell Conservancy
The Bartow-Pell Conservancy is a non-profit organization charged with management and stewardship of the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum. Originally incorporated as the Internation Garden Club, the Conservancy has been caring for the Bartow-Pell Mansion since 1914.
Historic House Trust
The Historic House Trust of New York City is a not-for-profit-organization operating in tandem with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Their mission is to provide essential support for houses of architectural and cultural significance, spanning 350 years of New York City life. These treasures reside within city parks and are open to the public.
Additional Cost Information:
Fee does not include lodging.
* Plus transportation to the site.
Shutter Shop on Shore Road
RESTORATION WORK AT THE BARTOW-PELL MANSION MUSEUM
BRONX, NEW YORK USA
Date: July 30 – August 3, 2012
The Bartow-Pell Mansion is the last remaining of the country houses that characterized Long Island Sound in the 19th century. Now part of Pelham Bay Park, New York City’s largest, as well as both a New York City and National Historic Landmark, Bartow-Pell Mansion is an example of the country living that once exemplified the now more urban landscape. It has been a museum since 1946 and its gardens and landscape offer an escape from the city. Volunteers play a key role in the continued preservation of this now-unique estate.
Project
Adventures in Preservation volunteers have proudly been a part of Bartow-Pell’s preservation process since 2008. Restoration of the formal sunken garden walkways has been completed and this year volunteers will continue their focus on the mansion’s interior shutters. Participants will learn steps for historically sensitive restoration of architectural components with attention to curatorial, preservation, and environmental considerations. Work will include removing loose and failed paint, making appropriate carpentry repairs, and priming and painting.
How You Will Help the Community
The Bartow-Pell Mansion was once one of nearly two dozen 19th-century estates in the Pelham Bay area. Now it is the only one. The Mansion’s restoration is important not only for its historical value but also because of the role it plays in current times. Located in the northeast corner of the Bronx, the Mansion is shouting distance from one of the most densely-populated areas in the United States. The museum and surrounding gardens welcome thousands of visitors each year. Join this volunteer preservation project and:
- Help protect, preserve and restore the site’s architecture
- Support BPMM’s education programs for schools, adults, and families
Why This Could Be The Greatest Adventure of Your Life
During this week of restoration work, you will:
- Help revive lost architectural details
- Go where everyday visitors cannot go, in exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of this National Historic Landmark
- Discover the importance of curatorial procedures in preparing a historically important site for restoration work and the materials used for preservation and restoration
- Learn about New York City history
- Have the opportunity to practice your French with our international volunteers from France, via project partner Preservation Volunteers.
As with all our adventures, you’ll take the skills you learn on this volunteer vacation home with you. They’re yours to use in restoring your own house, in your preservation career, or in other volunteer restoration projects in your own community.
Lodging
This project is designed as a “staycation” and volunteers generally “commute” to the project site. There is lodging in the area, however, so if you live outside the New York City area and would like to join this adventure, contact us for a list of local hotels and accommodation.
Meals
This adventure includes morning coffee, snacks and a delicious picnic lunch each day.
Lunchtime Lectures
Tours of the mansion and guest speakers will be part of each day’s lunch-time break. These tours and talks are your key to fully understanding the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum’s history, architecture, and plans for the future.
Cost
The fee for this rewarding five-day volunteer staycation is US$295 and covers:
- Morning coffee, snacks and lunches
- Lectures and tours
- Insurance
- Instruction and materials.
Take the next step toward adventure!
If you have additional questions or would like to discuss this adventure with AiP staff, please contact us at trips@adventuresinpreservation.org or call +1 303-444-0128.