October E-News 2008
| Features in this issue: >> Renovated Montpelier Reopens >> Facebook Fan Page Started >> Teardown Tools Available Online >> Ghostly Goings-On at Historic Hotels of America |
This month's resource: >> Fall Back In Time with Historic Hotels of America This month's Partner: >> Historic mouldings from Lowe's EverTrue brand |
JAMES MADISON'S MONTPELIER RESTORATION COMPLETED
On September 17, Constitution Day, the Montpelier Foundation celebrated the official reopening of President James Madison’s mansion, grounds and buildings, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Orange, Virginia. Begun in 2003, the comprehensive restoration cost $24 million and was funded in part through a generous grant from the estate of Paul Mellon. Open to the public, James Madison’s Montpelier, a National Trust historic site, opens our eyes to the life of James and Dolley Madison. From hosting the Marquis de Lafayette, to rewriting George Washington’s first inaugural address, to his ambivalent thoughts on slavery ("a blot on our Republican character"), there is much to learn from the history of our fourth president. Come visit this estate, or explore the web site and read about this fascinating restoration.
WANT TO BE A FAN?
That’s right…you, too, can show your support of the National Trust for Historic Preservation by becoming a fan on our Facebook fan page. What better way to connect and share your love of preservation with the people in your life?
Already a fan? Encourage others to become our fans and friends. It's a great way to keep in touch with other people of the same interests, as well as keeping up to date with interesting and fun preservation news. As a fan you can watch for more opportunities to get involved. Spread the word! Just go to Facebook.com, sign in or register, and look for our name under Groups.
FIGHT TEARDOWNS BY SHARING EXPERIENCES
Across the nation a teardown epidemic is wiping out historic neighborhoods one house at a time. As older homes are demolished and replaced with dramatically larger, out-of-scale new structures, the historic character of the existing neighborhood is changed forever. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has compiled its Teardown Tools on the Web (pdf) to help you fight the epidemic. It highlights approximately 30 tools that are being used by communities around the country in response to teardowns with direct links to more than 300 examples in 32 states. Teardowns on the Web is intended as an easy-to-share, user-friendly, one-stop-shop for people looking for tools to better manage teardowns.
OUR ANNUAL HARVEST OF HAUNTED HOTELS
Just in time for Halloween, we present this year's spooky stories from Historic Hotels of America. Poltergeist "Michael," a 19th century stonemason at the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa, is said to welcome visitors with a show of hands - and other manifestations. Learn more about HHA's many ghostly guests: forlorn lovers trapped in time, longtime patrons who couldn't bear to leave their comfortable quarters, hotel owners and employees who just weren’t ready to abandon their duties. You can sleep with the spectres at many of our member hotels. For ghoulishly fun packages and tours, call 1-800-678-8946 or visit http://www.historichotels.org/.
