Support from the local community gives the garden restoration work at the Bartow-Pell mansion museum (Bronx, New York) a significant boost by covering the majority of volunteers’ costs and making it possible for area residents to pay only a portion of the cost of attending the hands-on workshop being held August 3-9, 2008 at the gracious estate.

Volunteers and Bartow-Pell Mansion Benefit from Community Support - Hands-on Restoration Project Looks to Draw Additional Volunteers for August Work.
Generous support from the local community has given the upcoming garden restoration work at the Bartow-Pell mansion museum a significant boost by covering the majority of volunteers’ costs and making it possible for area residents to pay only a portion of the cost of attending the hands-on workshop being held August 3-9, 2008 at the gracious estate in Pelham Bay Park.

Volunteers will work with historic masonry specialist Andy deGruchy, of deGruchy Masonry Restoration, to clean up the effects of past repair work on the garden paths, which date to 1915, and restore the flagstone steps to their original look. Volunteers will learn the lost art of galleting, using a mini-guillotine to cut small stone gallets and fitting them into the joints. No experience is necessary to participate, and all are welcome.

Pre-registration is required; the registration deadline is July 21, 2008. The fee for local participants is now just US$75 and covers lunches and snacks, instruction and materials. Local participants should register by contacting the Museum directly at 718 885 146.

The cost for out of town participants is now $650 per person, which also includes lodging (double occupancy) and breakfast at Le Refuge Inn on beautiful City Island. If you need lodging, register though HCN’s website at www.heritageconservation.net/ws-bartow-pell-2008.htm. Transportation to the site is not included in either rate.

The workshop is being organized jointly by the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum and Heritage Conservation Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of architectural heritage around the world. HCN’s workshops give volunteers the opportunity to give something back by helping to protect valuable cultural treasures. To learn more about HCN’s international workshops, visit HCN’s website www.heritageconservation.net.

The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, operated by International Garden Club, Inc., and is a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City. For more information about the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum and gardens, visit www.bartowpellmansionmuseum.org.