2024 East Porch Fundraising Appeal

Dear Friends,

You will be delighted to know that work has started on the reconstruction of the East Porch at Opendore.  The Board of Directors has worked long and hard on planning for this major project, one that will do so much to recreate the look and feel of the Opendore of Isabel Howland’s day. 

As you know, maintaining the historic integrity of the building is always a prime consideration in the building projects at Opendore.  With the original blueprints to work from, architects Crawford and Stern have prepared the drawings and specifications for the project.  In the tradition of Opendore, skilled volunteers will do carpentry and painting.  Masonry and roofing will be contracted.

The Howland Stone Museum is deeply grateful to the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) for a generous grant of $50,000.  The grant money, as sizable as it is, will not cover the overall cost of the project, even with the tremendous economy of doing much of the work in-house. 

Therefore, we are coming to you today to ask for a donation that will allow the project to be completed expeditiously.  Substantial gifts from our most devoted donors will encourage further foundation grants to meet the estimated budget of $85,000. 

The East Porch project includes permanent custom-fabricated railings for the North Porch platform and side steps.  Railings are essential for safety and will allow full usage of the north entry.  Originally designed as part of the Porte Cochere, the porch platform is high, and a fall from that platform could be a dangerous event.  The Directors and volunteers are eager to see a safe solution to a problem of long standing.

We urge you to make a gift of $400 or more to enhance Opendore’s beauty, safety, convenience, and presentation space.  The East Porch will allow visitors to share Isabel Howland’s intended access to her grounds, which are being replanted and becoming more lovely day by day. 

By supporting this project, you will be participating in Isabel’s vision for Opendore, and you will be able to take pride in what you have done to bring the East Porch back.

Because we have a short work season and because expenditures have already begun, we urge you to send in your donation as soon as it is convenient for you.  We are immensely grateful for your support, which means so much for Opendore, for the Sherwood Equal Rights Historic District, and for our community. 

Sincerely,

Guy Garnsey
President