It’s a new year to save an old house! One of the earliest house restorations in America was Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington.
America’s first president died in 1799 and his beloved home eventually fell into an advanced state of neglect, as seen in this photo taken in 1858 (courtesy of the Mt. Vernon Ladies Assoc.).
The iconic house (fireworks photo courtesy of George Washington’s Mount Vernon) stands as a monument to the man who led our forces in the Revolutionary War and later served as our first president. It is also now recognized as a monument to the enslaved people who were the foundation of Washington’s wealth and success. Mount Vernon was built and paid for by the labor of these Americans.
The Mount Vernon Ladies Association was formed to save and preserve the house, purchasing it in 1858. Following the Civil War, restoration of the house began and has never stopped. New research and analysis lead to more accurate information about the appearance and functioning of the plantation during Washington’s lifetime and additional restoration work is done to reflect the new knowledge.
Although none of us will ever own a house of this significance, the lessons learned in its restoration can be applied to our own efforts. “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners” includes information on the methods and materials used in restoring major landmarks, historic tax credit rehabs, and private home restorations, showing a range of options to solve issues in your house.
The award-winning and bestselling 720-page hardcover book is available in bookstores & from online retailers.
Signed and personalized copies are available from the author in our shop, https://yourhistorichouse.com/shop/.
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