Rebuilding the Past: Pulling Back the Curtain on Recent Historic Restorations at Hammond Castle Museum

Description

10:00 - 10:30 am: Coffee & light refreshments
10:30 - 11:30 am: Presentation
11:30 - 11:45 am: Q&A/Conclusion.

How do you restore a medieval castle?
Anyone who has ever visited Hammond Castle Museum knows that it is no ordinary building. One of the stated goals of the Museum’s founder, John Hays Hammond Jr., was to create a Museum that not only housed his vast collection of historical artifacts but displayed a wide variety of different architectural techniques and embellishments. Using 1920s construction techniques, the structure combines architectural elements of Renaissance-era Châteaus with those of 13th-century Gothic cathedrals and genuine historical pieces imported from Europe. Ever since the Museum was constructed—nearly 100 years ago—the preservation of this one-of-a-kind North Shore landmark has been a constant mission in order to further Hammond’s vision.

On January 16th, join us for a detailed discussion of recent and ongoing restoration efforts at the Museum with contractor and mason Roger Tremblay and Director of Education & Visitor Services Caleb McMurphy.  In the past few years, Tremblay, and his firm A+R Construction, have headed some of the most significant restoration projects in the Museum’s history, including the renovation of the Museum’s iconic 13th-century French monastery arches, originally situated in the Franciscan monastery of Couvent des Cordeliers, in Gers, France. In 2024, Tremblay’s team intervened to save a portion of the “towers” section of the building, modeled off of an 11th-century Norman keep, which had been badly damaged by winter weather.

Over the course of an hour, Tremblay and McMurphy will discuss these and other ongoing and upcoming restoration projects, using photos taken during the work itself to give a look behind the curtain at just what it takes to maintain such a unique and historic building. After this, audience members will have a chance to ask questions of their own and get an opportunity to become involved with Hammond Castle Museum’s continuing mission to preserve John Hays Hammond Jr.’s legacy.  

Member savings apply.
Proceeds from this program will support the restoration and preservation of the Hammond Castle Museum.