Preservation

Conservation Work on Phelps-Hatheway House’s Parlor Wallpaper

Studio TKM Associates were back on site in the Phelps-Hatheway House’s parlor. The team of conservators continue to re-adhere separated pieces of the wallpaper and to treat the room’s exterior corners. Paper in these narrow spaces are subject to trapped moisture, compromised air flow, and uneven light. Studio TKM Associates worked to fill numerous cracks and to mitigate damage to the inpainting completed in the 1960’s. Thanks to their fine treatment, the paper’s colors shine brightly and vulnerable areas will be protected for many years.

Discover more about the wallpaper project »

By Olivia Grella|2024-12-09T15:09:58-05:00December 9th, 2024|Preservation, Wallpaper|Comments Off

Fence Restoration Progress at Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden

Restoration work is underway on the south section of the Phelps-Hatheway fence! Possibly created for Sumner Fuller in the 1920’s, the Neo-classical picket fence with decorative post toppers will receive repairs and be power washed, primed, and repainted. Thanks to the generous support of the 1772 Foundation in cooperation with Preservation Connecticut, as well as of the Town of Suffield, we are able to undertake this important preservation project.

Connecticut Landmarks has contracted the expertise of Kronenberger & Sons Restoration for this project. Their team has removed some of the toppers and will reconstruct them over the winter. Others will be repaired in situ. Check back to our website and social media pages for progress! We hope you’ll enjoy watching the project unfold as you walk or drive by.

The first image shows the fence line in the late 19th century before Sumner’s exquisite remake!

Learn more about the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden »

By Olivia Grella|2024-11-01T14:57:27-04:00November 1st, 2024|Preservation|Comments Off

Historic Preservation Updates at Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden

Fink and Son Woodworking and Carpentry have been hard at work at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden to give its quoins and Pine Room porch much needed care! When Oliver Phelps purchased the Burbank House in 1788, he made many changes to the original structure, including adding quoins at each corner. These wooden decorations were added to give the look of stone to the facade. Over time, the quoins on the northeast side of the house have suffered from rot and decay. Ben and his assistant Steve used their expertise to replicate and replace the quoins to prevent further damage of this beautiful detail.

The Pine Room porch has similarly experienced damage due to an influx of water, and thus termite, activity. Fink and Son dismantled a majority of the porch, and Connecticut Landmarks is currently awaiting inspection from a structural engineer to determine the safety of the foundation before the porch can be repaired. Updates on this project can be found on our preservation blog and social media.

Book your tour to the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden »

By Olivia Grella|2024-10-03T11:21:55-04:00October 3rd, 2024|Preservation|Comments Off

Revealing Wallpaper Details During the Phelps-Hatheway House Conservation Project

During recent site visits, the conservation team at Studio TKM Associates, along with freelance conservation scientist Erin Mysak, analyzed the 18th-century wallpaper to understand where it has been altered, damaged, and impacted by 230 years on the walls at the Phelps-Hatheway House. Following photographic documentation, they examined sections of the original paper that have long been hidden underneath the border detail papers. Carefully, they removed samples for further analysis in their labs. Through this work, they will be able to understand the pigments, chemicals, and processes used to produce this historic wallpaper and apply that knowledge to other collections in Connecticut and around the world.

We cannot wait to share updates as the project continues to progress! Stay tuned for details on an upcoming event celebrating the start of the conservation work with the team working to stabilize the Réveillon wallpaper.

This work requires significant investment to ensure the safety of the precious wallpaper for centuries to come. We would like to thank the generous donors who have supported this project thus far. Please consider a donation to help match the grant funding that allowed us to start this work.

Learn more about the wallpaper project >>

By Olivia Grella|2024-08-28T11:57:22-04:00August 18th, 2024|Preservation, Wallpaper|Comments Off

Bellamy-Ferriday House’s Shutters Get a Fresh Look with Fresh Start Pallet Products

After a preliminary assessment at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden of the current shutter conditions, Connecticut Landmarks, with the assistance of a historic carpenter, determined that the shutters are in need of replacement. We contracted the expertise of Hartford-based nonprofit, Fresh Start Pallet Products, to replicate the shutters. Fresh Start employs and trains individuals recovering from addiction, life challenges, and recent refugees beginning their new life here in the United States. Their team creates high-quality products, primarily from reclaimed-salvaged wood, and, in partnership with community organizations, provides education and training through the Richard P. Garmany Fresh Start Academy.

Pictured are over 1,000 slats to be used to replicate and replace the shutters. The existing shutters are currently being surveyed and documented.

Book your tour to the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden >>

By Olivia Grella|2024-09-17T14:48:40-04:00August 2nd, 2024|Preservation|Comments Off

Garret Window Restoration at the Joshua Hempsted House

Following years of exposure to wind and rain, a wooden window in the garret of the Joshua Hempsted required repair to prevent futher damage. The third-floor space is believed to have been a sleep and work space used by Adam Jackson. Fink & Son Carpentry & Woodworking removed the original window, boarded the opening, and repaired the window frame. The restored window was then reinstalled.

It is crucial to maintain the integrity of the windows in the home to protect against moisture or weather-related damage so we can continue to share the story of Jackson, the enslaved man who lived and worked at the Hempsted Houses for more than three decades, in the place wherein he resided.

By Olivia Grella|2024-07-24T14:57:19-04:00July 24th, 2024|Preservation|Comments Off

Connecticut Landmarks Receives 1772 Foundation Grant for Historic Fence Restoration at Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden

Connecticut Landmarks is honored to be one of the sixteen Connecticut recipients of a 1772 Foundation grant administered in cooperation with Preservation Connecticut. The funds from this grant will help restore the 900-feet of historic wood fencing at the Phelps Hatheway House and Garden in Suffield. The fence, originally built in three stages, has three unique styles: a simple picket fence, an ornate section originally constructed by Asher Benjamin circa 1794 with decorative coined columns, as well as a gothic-style fence. Through this ongoing project, new wooden replicas of the column caps will be reproduced and installed. Missing elements due to weather damage, rot, and age will be replaced; repairs made where needed; and the entire fence power washed, primed, and repainted.

We are grateful to the 1772 Foundation, Preservation Connecticut, and state representatives such as State Senator John A. Kissel who recognize the importance of historic preservation and support the work we do to steward our historic properties, which are vital to the stories we share and the communities where they reside. Learn more about the 1772 Foundation at www.1772foundation.org.

Pictured left to right: Robert Brock, Interim Executive Director at Connecticut Landmarks; Aileen Bastos, Preservation Manager at Connecticut Landmarks; Jane Montanaro, Executive Director at Preservation Connecticut; Lynn Mervosh, Site Administrator at the Phelps-Hatheway House & Garden; and State Senator John A. Kissel.

By Olivia Grella|2024-07-12T10:59:14-04:00July 12th, 2024|Preservation|Comments Off

Restored Flooring in Butler-McCook Visitor Center

In February 2023, Connecticut experienced a cold snap, causing temperatures to plummet rapidly, and without warning. The bathroom pipes in the visitor center at the Butler-McCook House in Hartford burst, flooding the Main Street History Center exhibition. Moisture remediation, including several commercial-grade dehumidifiers and fans were employed and the exposed wood floor, which had been damaged extensively, was removed. Over the past few weeks, an eight-inch character oak floor was installed and stained to match the existing by floor restoration expert Tony Stockley. Butler-McCook House & Garden’s staff have been thrilled to welcome visitors back for tours and events in our Main Street History Center!

By Shaelyn Amaio|2024-05-22T16:10:10-04:00May 22nd, 2024|Preservation|Comments Off

Significant Restoration Work in New London

Connecticut Landmarks is undertaking a significant restoration project on the upper levels of the 1678 Joshua Hempsted House. For the safety of our visitors and our historic property, tours are currently restricted to the first floor of the home. Tours of the property during general open hours have been canceled until further notice, though visitors may inquire about a private tour by advance reservation. In light of this, we have reduced admission costs until further notice. Thank you for your understanding as we continue to care for the oldest remaining home in New London.

By Shaelyn Amaio|2024-05-20T13:19:21-04:00May 2nd, 2024|Preservation|Comments Off

Roof & Chimney Maintenance at New London’s Hempsted Houses

A recent inspection by J.P. Bachand revealed that the ridge boards along the roof line at the Joshua Hempsted needed attention. These were properly secured with roof screws.

Bachand and his team also made repairs to the chimney at the Joshua by sealing around the perimeter of the stainless steel cover with caulk to prevent water infiltration. They also repaired small holes in the masonry joints and used sealant around the metal flashing at the roof line.

This work was completed with the guidance of Preservation Connecticut.

Bachand is also slated to perform repairs to two windows on the east side of the Nathaniel Hempsted House, shortly.

By Shaelyn Amaio|2024-04-17T10:48:28-04:00April 17th, 2024|Preservation|Comments Off