May 1, 2009 - A highly successful all-volunteer preservation program begun at historic Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum in the Bronxs Pelham Bay Park last summer continues this August. The goal is to complete restoration of the stone walkways in the Mansions elegant formal garden during the four-day workshop entitled Galleting Galore in the Garden.

Heritage Conservation Network, a Colorado-based non-profit organization, is partnering with Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum to offer this exciting, hands-on volunteer experience August 2-7, 2009. Volunteers will work with a masonry restoration expert to remove the effects of earlier repair work and fill the joints between flagstones with smaller stone pieces using a traditional technique known as galleting. The aim is to recreate the look and feel of the original 1915 design by renowned New York architects Delano & Aldrich.

Were very excited to be able to offer this unique volunteer preservation workshop again this summer, says Ellen Bruzelius, the Museums Executive Director. Last years volunteers loved the program and not only learned something about stonework restoration, they discovered a wonderful corner of the Bronx filled with beauty, culture, and history.

The deadline to register for the workshop is July 3, 2009. To register, go to heritageconservation.net/ws-bartow-pell-2009.htm. The cost per person is US $765, which covers lodging for five nights (Sunday-Thursday), breakfast and lunch, workshop instruction and materials, and insurance. Transportation to the site is not included. The workshop schedule includes time to tour other area historic sites. A reduced fee of $175 is available for local residents who do not need lodging. Student rates also available.

Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization that supports community-based heritage conservation projects around the world. HCNs workshops give volunteers the opportunity to give something back by helping to protect valuable cultural treasures. To learn more about HCNs international workshops, visit HCNs website www.heritageconservation.net.

Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, operated by the Bartow-Pell Conservancy, and a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City. For more information about the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum and gardens, visit www.bpmm.org.

Quotes from Volunteers to Galleting Galore - Summer 2008

Working in a truly bucolic setting with like-minded volunteers on a valuable preservation project was a tremendously valuable experience ... and great fun, too! Together we learned the craft and skills of masonry restoration, and, after our days as a team, together we celebrated the fruits of our labor and the realization that we helped to restore an important piece of the past for the future. What an achievement and what a worthwhile project. I would return to continue our work at a moment's notice.

Stephen R. Parnes, Northford, CT

Spending time in the summer months on the beautiful, landscaped, rolling grounds of the Bartow-Pell Mansion estate is just one of the many joys a volunteer feels from being at this workshop. Learning the original methods of galleting, making acquaintances from near and far, and reveling in the outcome of ones hard work makes this project an experience to cherish. Jessica Ferree, Brooklyn, NY

You don't know how much fun I had (we had) taking part in this project. The instructor was a knowledgeable and enthusiastic leader, and the team was just as excited to be there and do a good job. I think it shows with the end result. H￤nsel Hernandez, New York, NY

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Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is located at 895 Shore Road in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx. To reach us by public transportation, take the #6 Lexington Avenue Local subway to Pelham Bay Park station, followed by the Westchester Bee-Line #45 bus to the Mansion Gate. For driving directions, please visit www.bpmm.org. The Mansion and Carriage House are open to the public Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The gardens and grounds are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. Mansion admission is $5 adults, $3 seniors and students, free for children under six. Garden and grounds are free.

Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, operated by the Bartow-Pell Conservancy, and a member of the Historic House Trust. This volunteer program is sponsored in part by funds from City Gardens Club of New York City.

Media Contact: Ellen Bruzelius ebruzelius@bpmm.org; Images available

895 Shore Road, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx, NY

718.885.1461 www.bpmm.org