Hoyer, Local Preservationists Announce New Roof Restoration Project for National Historic Landmark in Prince George's County
CLINTON, MD - As part of efforts to restore one of Prince George's County's most historic structures- Poplar Hill on His Lordship's Kindness - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) joined preservationists and local leaders on Tuesday, April 21, to announce the start of a major roof restoration project made possible in part by $158,000 in federal funding secured by Rep. Hoyer. The Poplar Hill preservation is an officially designated project under Save America's Treasures, the national effort to protect the country's threatened landmarks.
"This project marks an important step forward in the efforts to preserve one of our county's oldest and most historic structures - Poplar Hill on His Lordship's Kindness," stated Rep. Hoyer. "This land and this house are linked to some of our state's earliest and most prominent families and is a unique preservation of our shared history. Short of witnessing history, it is difficult to think of a better way to gain an appreciation for our shared heritage than by visiting -and when necessary, restoring - the sites that tell the story of our people."
Poplar Hill on His Lordship's Kindness was built circa 1785 on land deeded by Charles Calvert, the third Lord Baltimore. At one point it was owned by Charles Carroll of Annapolis - father of Charles Carroll of Carrollton - signer of the Declaration of Independence. The structure is unique in that it is one of two period Georgian houses in Prince George's County that incorporates the five-part plan which distinguishes Palladian influenced, late Georgian design. Poplar Hill is also on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of six National Historic Landmark's in Prince George's County, Maryland.
Over the years, the property has changed hands a number of times - and has been owned by county leaders, merchant farmers, a United States Senator, Ambassador David Bruce, the Archdiocese of Washington, and finally, John Walton, a leading architect responsible for numerous buildings throughout the region, and his wife, Sara, a teacher and noted historic preservationist. The couple purchased the home in 1955, saw its designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1970, and made arrangements for Poplar Hill to be shared with the public through the John M. and Sara R. Walton Foundation.
"By opening the doors to Poplar Hill, the Walton Foundation has opened the eyes of all who visit this home to the evolving history of our county, our state, and our nation from the colonial era up to the present day," stated Rep. Hoyer. "From the struggle for religious freedom and the horrors of slavery to the challenges our ancestors have encountered through every period since, Poplar Hill remains a window into our past."
The primary work to be done on the structure is to replace the existing deteriorating asbestos shingle roof, which is approx. 75 years-old, with an historically authentic slate roof. While Poplar Hill has survived in remarkably good physical condition over the course of its nearly 220 years of existence, the effects of more than two centuries of natural weathering have taken their toll on the mansion's exterior and resulted in noticeable deterioration. The new roof - built to historic specifications - will prevent water damage to the interior that, if left unrepaired, had the potential of threatening the structural integrity of the entire house.
"An appreciation of the lessons of Poplar Hill are absolutely essential to our shared future - because if we expect the next generation of Americans to carry on the legacies of hope, freedom and opportunity we will pass down to them, then they need to understand the foundation upon which those traditions were built. But to do so, we must continue to preserve Poplar Hill itself," stated Hoyer.
The roof restoration is made possible by a public/private partnership that includes $158,000 in federal funding through the Save America's Treasures program, and has been matched by a state bond bill and private donations. Scaffolding arrived earlier this month and is being assembled around the house to allow for the restoration work to begin. The new roof is expected to be complete in 3 to 4 months, and will remain open during the restoration.
Also in attendance were Poplar Hill Museum Director Bianca Floyd and John M. Walton, Jr., son of the last owners of the estate John M. and Sara R. Walton - and the current President of the foundation established in their name.
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