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Wilderstein Historic Site News |
winter 2010 |
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Dear Members & Friends,
As we embark on the 30th Anniversary of Wilderstein's life as a not-for-profit historic site, we truly have a great deal to celebrate.
The restoration of the exterior of the mansion, which has been many years in the making, will be completed in time for the opening of our 2010 season. Wilderstein's curatorial committee has been hard at work on the upcoming exhibition showcasing preservation and conservation activities at Wilderstein over the past three decades. This and the newly restored dining room are certain to be of great interest to our many visitors.
Over the winter, we welcomed Evelyn Chanler, Meg Crawford, Lyell Dampeer and Christopher Lipscomb to the Wilderstein board. We are pleased Meg Crawford has returned to us after a short hiatus, and the others bring new talent and energy to our efforts.
Wilderstein is still very much a work in progress and the support of the community is crucial in order for the site to continue to grow and prosper. I hope you will join us for a tour or at one of our events during this 30th Anniversary year, and be part of the wonderful things happening here.
Steven Connell
Board President | |
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 30th Anniversary !!
2010 marks the 30th Anniversary of an important milestone for Wilderstein Historic Site. In 1980, Wilderstein was granted its provisional charter from the New York State Board of Regents as a not-for-profit.
Margaret (Daisy) Suckley was the last remaining resident of Wilderstein by the early 1970s and had started to ponder its ultimate fate. Rejected by the National Trust, she turned to Hudson Valley preservationists Wint Aldrich and Richard Crowley for counsel. A dialogue was initiated about making the preservation of Wilderstein a grassroots enterprise, a co-venture by Miss Suckley and a number of neighbors coming together as a not-for-profit museum corporation. She was delighted by this notion.
The establishment of Wilderstein as an independent, not-for-profit historic site was announced from the verandah of the mansion in June of 1980 at the annual membership meeting of Hudson River Heritage. Miss Suckley was named honorary chair, Wint Aldrich became the president, and the board and volunteer corps were quickly filled with talented, committed individuals.
The first weekend Wilderstein opened to the public an astonishing 5,000 visitors came. Each was greeted personally by Miss Suckley.
Pictured: Margaret Suckley with her beloved Wilderstein, circa 1980. |
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Announcing "C P R"
Not cardio pulmonary resuscitation, but the resuscitation of Wilderstein. Our 2010 exhibit C P R, which opens on May 1, will showcase Conservation, Preservation and Restoration activities at Wilderstein over the past 30 years. This exhibition examines the process involved in restoring the exterior of the mansion in its entirety; innovative approaches employed to reclaim and maintain the historic landscape; recent conservation work in the dining room, entry hall and library; as well as the conservation treatment of objects in the collections.
C P R runs until the end of October, Thursdays through Sundays, from noon to 4pm. For additional information about the exhibit and touring Wilderstein, call 845-876-4818 or visit www.wilderstein.org.
Pictured: The Wilderstein tower under restoration in 1994. |
One Lump or Two ?
Start the spring off right by attending our annual Daffodil High Tea on Saturday, April 17 at 1pm.
A special treat for tea lovers, this event features a variety of homemade finger sandwiches, cakes, cookies, and other sweets. The afternoon also includes a tour of the mansion and sneak preview of our 2010 exhibition.
Scheduled on the early side for high tea, this allows more time for taking in Wilderstein's remarkable Hudson River views and strolling the enchanted Calvert Vaux designed landscape while the daffodils are in bloom. Be sure to make reservations early, as seating is limited. |
 Dining Room Restoration Complete
In May, the Wilderstein mansion will reopen with a newly restored dining room. This project was made possible thanks to a challenge grant from the Gerry Charitable Trust and the support of Wilderstein's members and friends who generously contributed the necessary matching funds.
Work was completed in January and February. Years of soot from the old coal furnace were removed from the mahogany paneling, woodwork and coffered ceiling; wool wallcoverings were cleaned and repaired; the elegant plaster frieze was carefully repaired and reconstructed in damaged areas.
Final touches are now being done, and original furnishings will then be returned. Under the layers, Wilderstein's dining room has revealed itself to be another among the finest of rooms in the Hudson Valley.
Pictured: Dining room while undergoing treatment. |
 Doggone Fun
Tails will be wagging as Wilderstein Historic Site heralds in its 7th biannual Fala Gala on Saturday, May 22 from noon to 3pm. This event is Wilderstein's tribute to Fala, the Black Scottish Terrier given by Margaret Suckley to Franklin Roosevelt.
The special day of festivities features a pooch parade, Fala look-alike contest, short bread bake-off, snack bar (hot dogs, anyone?), scotch tasting, information booths, and more.
The Fala Gala is the perfect spring outing for kids, adults, and dogs of all breeds. Your dog will thank you.
Pictured: Fala from The True Story of Fala (available in the Wilderstein Gift Shop). | |
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Volunteering
at Wilderstein
Want to get involved?
Informational meeting
for new and returning volunteers on Saturday,
April 10 at 9am.
Call 845-876-4818
for more details.
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Officers
Steven Connell
President
John Dobkin
Vice President
Paul Washington
Treasurer
Janice Scriber
Secretary
Board of Directors
Miriam Carroll
Evelyn Chanler
Meg Crawford
Lyell Dampeer
Michael DeCola
William W. Dowden IV
Palma Driscoll
Geoff Howell
Brian Lange
Christopher Lipscomb
Claire Longden
Elizabeth Pagano
Laura Pensiero
Pamela Shuster
Linda Souers
Linda Stanley
Duane Watson
Robin Waxenberg
Gregory J. Sokaris
Executive Director
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Our annual Summer Celebration Benefit Fundraiser is on Saturday, July 3. Duane and Linda Watson to be honored.
Wilderstein's 30th Anniversary Luncheon is on Sunday,
October 3. Wint Aldrich to be honored.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR for these, and all of the events during our 30th Anniversary year!
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| Are you
a 2010 member ?? |
Wilderstein's well-being rests with people who recognize the importance of this noteworthy piece of Americana. The scope and reach of our programming and the ability to take on new initiatives relies directly on membership contributions.
Please become a 2010 Wilderstein member today. For your convenience, you may become a member online by visiting the membership page of our website.
During these challenging economic times, your membership support is more crucial than ever. THANK YOU. |
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