Maine Historical Society Awarded Two Grants Towards Upgrading Environmental
Systems at Longfellow House

Portland, ME - Maine Historical Society is pleased to announce it is the
recipient of two grants to be used towards upgrading the environmental
systems at the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, a National Historic Landmark and
the boyhood home of 19th-century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
“Improving the interior environment by installing a new heating system and
electronic controls is the top priority for the Longfellow House,” notes MHS
project director John Mayer.  “Refurbishing its heating and ventilating
system will ensure the long-term preservation of both the house and the
collections within.”

A grant of $5,000 to begin the evaluation and monitoring process has been
received from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).  Created in
1965, the NEH supports learning in history, literature, philosophy, and
other areas of the humanities.  “The humanities convey the story of
civilization, and today's NEH grant recipients are deeply engaged in
advancing that story through new scholarly research and taking important
strides to preserve the material record of our history and culture," said
NEH Chairman Bruce Cole.

An additional grant of $30,000 has been received from the 1772 Foundation
towards the design and installation of a heating and ventilating system for
the house and collections.  The 1772 Foundation provides grants for bricks
and mortar projects.  It supports restoration projects throughout the United
States to preserve architectural and cultural history for future
generations.  In 2005, the 1772 Foundation awarded grants of nearly $2.2
million for historic preservation to 47 organizations.  “We can be justly
proud of the 47 projects we finally settled on, all of which are well
managed and strongly in line with our mission statement,” notes Stan Geary,
president 1772 Foundation.

The 1786 Longfellow House, the centerpiece of Maine Historical Society’s
collection, retains virtually all of its original interior features.  It is
furnished with nearly 1,500 historical objects that fully document 116 years
of domestic life in Portland.  Ninety seven percent of the objects on view
belonged to the family and are original to the house.  The evaluation phase
of the project is scheduled to begin within a few months.

For More Information:

Maine Historical Society
489 Congress Street
Portland, ME   04101
207-774-1822; www.mainehistory.org

Maine Historical Society promotes the understanding and enjoyment of Maine
history

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