Bennington Museum has just been awarded a grant of $3,000 from the Robert Fleming & Jane Howe Patrick Foundation to aid in the on-site restoration of an important Civil War memorial.
This historic marker stands on a rise in the ground directly in front of the Museum. It features a bronze relief panel of Bennington Union soldiers marching and a plaque created by local sculptor, William Gordon Huff. Commissioned by the American Legion and presented for a state convention on Bennington Battle Day in 1930, this major Civil War monument remained under the Legion’s care for the next 30 years until ownership was formally turned over to the Museum in the 1960s.
This memorial has not been cleaned or tended to in at least 15 years, and restoration is necessary in order to prevent further deterioration. At the end of this month, the Williamstown Art Conservation Center will begin work on-site, focusing specifically on removal of corrosion and vandalism, applying a patina and wax treatment, and regrouting seams to prevent water infiltration.
The restoration cost is just under $6,000.
"Bennington Museum is very grateful for a matching grant from the Patrick Foundation that will cover half of these expenses," says interim director David Pilachowski. "With this significant contribution in hand, we are confident that other interested parties will also come forward to support this effort in the coming weeks." He continues, "When the work is completed, we look forward to having a rededication ceremony for its 91st anniversary."
