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Jean
[Jacob] Hasbrouck House Restoration Campaign 2006
Read
our Restoration Project Weblog here.
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The
Jean Hasbrouck House: A Cornerstone
of American Identity
One of the most historically important
houses on Huguenot Street is the
Jean Hasbrouck House, an impressive
stone structure notable for its contrast
of Old World tradition and New World
ingenuity. Built in 1721 by Jacob
Hasbrouck, the house incorporates
elements of an earlier structure
built by his father. Containing several
rare and intriguing original features,
the house is recognized today as
a masterpiece of early American architecture.
In the words of one historian, "There
is no other house in New York built
as early as 1721 that survives with
the authenticity of the Jean Hasbrouck
House." |
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Immediate
Restoration Required
Despite the skilled craftsmanship
of the original builders and the
careful maintenance by the Huguenot
Historical Society, time and the
elements have taken their toll on
this valuable structure. Tragically,
one of the massive stone walls in
separating from the internal support
system and is threatening to collapse. While
a skilled restoration crew moved
quickly to stabilize the wall with
a wooden buttressing system, permanent
preservation is necessary to save
the house from further damage. An
expert restoration firm will soon
rebuild the entire wall, stone by
stone. |
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Help
Save This "American Treasure"
The cost of preserving this important National Historic
Landmark is a daunting $500,000. The National Park
Service has made this project a priority, providing
a $250,000 matching grant under its "Save America's
Treasures" program. This will cover one-half
of the cost of restoration. An additional $100,000
has been raised through the generosity of various
charitable organizations and individual private donors.
The Huguenot Historical Society needs to raise $150,000
by the end of October, 2006 to ensure the completion
of this project. The need is urgent. At
stake is the survival of this cornerstone of American
identity. |
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What
You Can Do
Those interested in helping to
save this American treasure should
contact Eric Roth, Director,
at the Huguenot Historical Society
by telephone at (845) 255-1660
or by email at eric@huguenotstreet.org.
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