suzenatale
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- May 25, 2013
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Operators of the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum were expected to meet on Thursday to discuss repair and maintenance of the historic Maine Street home that once belonged to Maine’s 32nd governor.
Jennifer Blanchard, executive director of the Pejepscot Historical Society, said severe cold weather was the culprit when frozen water and heating pipes burst and sent water flowing to the first floor in early January.
The water damaged one wall, two ceilings and some period furniture in the parlor and dining room. Other artifacts, including Chamberlain’s 1893 Medal of Honor, which was donated last year, were not damaged.
“Fortunately we had a conservator look at [the furniture],” Blanchard said, “and he thinks the underpinning upholstery will be OK.”
During a tour of the building Wednesday morning, Blanchard pointed out a rare sight: 19th century timber that was used to build the original portion of Chamberlain’s house, which was elevated using local shipyard equipment to make room for a new first floor in 1871.
Blanchard said Pejepscot is still working with contractors and insurance agents to assess the financial impact of the damage.
The museum is traditionally closed during the winter, but the damage was enough to cancel a one-day tour scheduled during next month’s 10th anniversary Longfellow Days, a monthlong event that celebrates the life and work of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who once stayed at Chamberlain’s house.
Amy Waterman, spokeswoman for Longfellow Days, said Pejepscot is still expected to participate in the event in some form to highlight Chamberlain’s relationship with Longfellow.
Blanchard said some supporters have already come forward to donate to the museum after hearing about the incident.
“Every gift makes a real difference,” she said, “as we strive to take the best care we can of Joshua Chamberlain’s home.”
http://bangordailynews.com/2014/01/...-temporary-closure-of-historic-brunswick-inn/
Chamberlain Parlor after damage
Operators of the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum were expected to meet on Thursday to discuss repair and maintenance of the historic Maine Street home that once belonged to Maine’s 32nd governor.
Jennifer Blanchard, executive director of the Pejepscot Historical Society, said severe cold weather was the culprit when frozen water and heating pipes burst and sent water flowing to the first floor in early January.
The water damaged one wall, two ceilings and some period furniture in the parlor and dining room. Other artifacts, including Chamberlain’s 1893 Medal of Honor, which was donated last year, were not damaged.
“Fortunately we had a conservator look at [the furniture],” Blanchard said, “and he thinks the underpinning upholstery will be OK.”
During a tour of the building Wednesday morning, Blanchard pointed out a rare sight: 19th century timber that was used to build the original portion of Chamberlain’s house, which was elevated using local shipyard equipment to make room for a new first floor in 1871.
Blanchard said Pejepscot is still working with contractors and insurance agents to assess the financial impact of the damage.
The museum is traditionally closed during the winter, but the damage was enough to cancel a one-day tour scheduled during next month’s 10th anniversary Longfellow Days, a monthlong event that celebrates the life and work of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who once stayed at Chamberlain’s house.
Amy Waterman, spokeswoman for Longfellow Days, said Pejepscot is still expected to participate in the event in some form to highlight Chamberlain’s relationship with Longfellow.
Blanchard said some supporters have already come forward to donate to the museum after hearing about the incident.
“Every gift makes a real difference,” she said, “as we strive to take the best care we can of Joshua Chamberlain’s home.”
http://bangordailynews.com/2014/01/...-temporary-closure-of-historic-brunswick-inn/