MONTPELIER FOUNDATION

Historic architecture and collections:historic architecture and collections are responsible for the care and maintenance of montpelier's historic structures - many associated with the dupont era - in addition to leading significant historic reconstruction projects such as the south yard. This is accomplished through architectural fieldwork by examining wood species, nails, windows, decorative mouldings, and more, to ensure that the reconstructed buildings are as historically accurate as possible. For example, during the restoration of the temple, the recovery of a single madison-era shingle while investigating the roof framing led to the determination that the temple roof was originally painted red.curatorial and collections is instrumental in the furnishing of the house and other reconstructed buildings on the property. All of the installations and acquisitions are based, at least in part, on the work and discoveries of other departments like archaeology, research, and architectural preservation. Recent projects include the furnishing plans for the south yard quarters; the acquisition of the artwork in the south passage of the house; the acquisition of objects connected to dolley madison: a lady's pocket watch, sewing kit, and miniature painting of the young mrs. Madison; and the most recent furnishings of john payne todd's bedroom, a guest bedroom, and an "interactive" room.