For immediate release: 10 March 2010
contact: Missy Hoggan Groppel
202-337-2288,
Adopt-An-Object program debuts at Dumbarton House
Dumbarton House is honoured to be entrusted with the stewardship of so many historic objects that help tell the stories of the Federal period and the history of the NSCDA. Several of the objects in our collection are also significant to the Nation’s history. In addition to collecting, interpreting and exhibiting these treasures, Dumbarton House protects and cares for them by working with a team of professional conservators. Objects come to the museum’s collection in a variety of conditions, thus some must be cleaned, restored or stabilized so they can be safely stored or exhibited and appreciated for education and history for many more years. You can partner with DH in saving the past by sponsoring one of more of the following conservation projects.
The William and Mary Walnut Bracket Clock by Henricus Harper (pictured,) recognized as the Nourse family clock, was produced in London. Its brass domed top and scrolling foliage makes for a striking piece. Its conservation costs are estimated at $2,000.
Henricus Harper bracket clock (Nourse family clock) - $2,000
The beautiful American Silver Covered Sugar Urn by Samuel Williamson is a stunning example of turn of the 18th century Philadelphia metalwork. Its conservation costs of $550 would ensure the proper conservation of the paneled body with border chased and bright-cut with foliate sprays on engraved ground and with swag decoration, beaded borders and a stepped paneled base.
The imposing English George III Mahogany Sideboard with its bowed top, ebony inlay ,and floral-etched border above frieze drawer, requires $6,800 in order to be properly conserved and stored.
Below is the complete list of objects available for adoption and their associated ‘adoption costs.’
Furniture:
English George III Mahogany Sideboard - $6,800
Fruitwood Side Chair - $1,500
Massachusetts Card Tables (pair) - $2,700
Silver:
Philadelphia Sugar Urn and lid - $550
Federal Spoon marked (SC) - $100
Sheffield Plate Chafing Dish - $390
Sheffield Plate Chafing Dish - $340
Clocks:
Aaron Willard Tall Case - $1,800
Henricus Harper bracket clock (Nourse family clock) - $2,000
John Garland bracket clock - $2,500
Massachusetts Card Tables (pair) - $2,700 (one of a pair).
In recognition for your donation,
› your name would appear in the object’s file for the life of the object
› your name will be included in printed labels and descriptions when the object is displayed within five years of donation
› you will be recognized in our Annual Report
› You will receive pre and post conservation photos of the object along with a conservation report from the curator
› you will receive a private viewing of the object with the curator.
Dumbarton House is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax deductible.
For more information contact our curator Scott Scholz at .
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Docent-guided tours are offered at the Dumbarton House Tuesday through Saturday, hourly, 10am to 1pm (Federal holidays schedule varies). Tour admission to Dumbarton House is $5.00 for Adults/Seniors, and free to children, youth and students-with-ID. Groups are welcome, but reservations are required for 10 or more guests.
Dumbarton House is located at 2715 Q Street, NW, in the heart of residential Georgetown, Washington, DC 20007. Limited parking and ADA-access is available behind the Museum via 27th Street at Q. Metrorail: Red Line, Dupont Circle’s Q Street exit. Metrobus: D-1, D-2, D-3, D-6 to 27th Street stop. DC Circulator: Georgetown connection, 28th Street, NW stop. For more information: www.DumbartonHouse.org, , or 202-337-2288. For photos or information, contact .
The mission of Dumbarton House, a Federal Period historic house museum, ca. 1800, is to preserve the historic structure and its collections and to educate the public about life in Washington, DC, during the early years of the Republic. The museum features a significant collection of Federal era decorative arts, paintings, and furniture, and is one of only few such properties open to the public in Washington. Dumbarton House serves as the headquarters for The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America (The NSCDA), a women’s organization that actively promotes our national heritage through historic preservation, patriotic service and educational projects. The NSCDA is comprised of 45 state societies that own or support 80 other properties around the country of architectural or historic value ( www.NSCDA.org). Dumbarton House is accredited by the American Association of Museums.
Dumbarton House hosts a regular schedule of special tours, free concerts, lectures, tastings, school programs, and summer camps, and is also available for private rentals such as corporate, social, and wedding events. For additional information, contact: 202-337-2288, , or www.DumbartonHouse.org.