One of the biggest challenges facing any museum is the care, cleaning, repair, and general management of its collection of objects. Time and the elements will take their toll on just about any object so it becomes vitally important to devote attention to preservation and care. The Hopewell Museum's collection holds many objects of great age, but one of the older objects in our collection is the building itself!
The Hopewell Museum is entering an initial phase of restoration and "reimagination" by addressing some important exterior care and repair, much of which is what you would typically expect in a stone structure that is nearly 150 years old. Centuries of time and New Jersey weather can take its toll and it's necessary to make sure the house will remain standing for another century or more.
Scaffolding was erected in early October of this year to begin some much needed work on the exterior stonework of this historic house. Removing and replacing old mortar, cleaning stone of accumulated moss and mold, repairing structural supports, repair of the front porch and windows, and general repainting, will all be performed over the coming weeks.
The work is being carefully managed by A. Pennacchi & Sons, a multi-generational company based in Trenton. Pennacchi brings 75 years of experience and skill in the restoration of historic buildings. Their past work includes contributions to historic houses and sites such as the Roebling Building, Trent House, Clark House, and Princeton University. The work is in good hands and we expect our "makeover" to bring the building as close to its original glory as possible.
Pandemic restrictions threw major delays and disruptions in our plans for the future, as it did in the plans of many. But our goal is to build momentum for greater things on the horizon. The Hopewell Museum would like to thank our recent and past donors, who have made this effort possible.
If you have any questions about our exterior restoration or about our plans for the future, don't hesitate to contact us at info@thehopewellmuseum.org. You can also follow the progress of our restoration on Instagram @thehopewellmuseum.
