Restoration of Aspet, Home of Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Restoration of Aspet, Home of Augustus Saint-Gaudens
at Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site
Cornish, N. H. –
Commencing in October, an extensive restoration project will occur in “Aspet” the home of Augustus Saint-Gaudens. A major element of the project is installation of a “mist” type fire suppression system. Because of the historic importance of the structure, the work must be done with great care in order to protect the original fabric of the building, as well as to ensure that the components are as unobtrusive as possible. The project will take place throughout much of the spring and summer of 2006. The historic furnishings will be carefully packed and stored, and the fragile wall coverings protected. Because the project is so comprehensive, the interior of Aspet will be closed to the public after mid October, as well as during the 2006 season from May-October. People interested in seeing the interior of Aspet are encouraged to do so during the next month. The house is open for scheduled guided tours each day at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30. Tours take about 20 minutes and are included with the park entrance fee. The other park buildings will remain open daily through October 31.
Saint-Gaudens’ home, named “Aspet” after his father’s birthplace in France, was originally built as an inn about 1800. Saint-Gaudens lived here summers from 1885 to 1897, and full time from 1900 until his death in 1907. In 1919, Mrs. Saint-Gaudens and their son, Homer, formed the Saint-Gaudens Memorial, an organization to preserve the estate as an historic site and museum of the sculptor’s work. After she died in 1926, the site was open to the public. In 1965, the property became part of the National Park Service and is one of only two units dedicated to a visual artist. Because of Mrs. Saint-Gaudens efforts, the parlors and dining room of the home contain all of the original furnishings, left as it was during the sculptor’s lifetime.
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site is located off NH Route 12A, just north of the Cornish-Windsor covered bridge. The park is open daily through October 31, from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Admission to the site is $5.00 per person; children 16 and under are admitted free. As a National Fee Area, the National Park Pass and the Golden Passports are honored. For information write: Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, 139 Saint-Gaudens Road, Cornish, NH 03745; phone: (603) 675-2175 x 100; or visit the park website: www.nps.gov/saga.