Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jessica Stavros, 812.944.9600, [email protected]

NEW ALBANY, Ind. – The Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site is set to tackle its largest capital improvement to date with a full restoration of the home’s cast iron including the mansion’s fence, limestone retaining walls, walkways, exterior porches and several other features.

Since its construction 150 years ago, the cast iron throughout the property has endured significant damage and the preservation of this architectural feature has become a top priority.

“It’s an indicator of a historical district,” said Jessica Stavros, state historic sites development director. “It is also serves as an identifier for the Culbertson Mansion. This project shows its importance through the collaboration across the state of Indiana. It is important for the people of New Albany to know there are organizations willing to fund this mission and this community.”

The State of Indiana appropriated nearly $500,000 through the Department of Natural Resources. The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, through its INvision Campaign, The Friends of Culbertson Mansion, Indiana Historical Society through a Heritage Support Grant, The City of New Albany, through a grant from the Southern Indiana Tourism Bureau, pulled together to raise roughly $400,000 needed to fund additional repairs.

“Our hope is to host a series of workshops on-site throughout the year so anyone can learn what it takes to restore cast iron,” Stavros added. “Our goal is to keep the public as informed as possible.”

Work is expected to begin this fall and no site closures are anticipated. Additional funding will be raised to complete the final phase of construction.

“The repairs go well beyond the cast iron fence,” said Laura Minzes, associate vice president of state historic sites. “Every veranda on the mansion will also see preservation efforts. This is the first time in the history of the mansion the cast iron has been addressed on a large scale.”

For more information, please contact Jessica Stavros, state historic sites development director at 812.944.9600 or [email protected].

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Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site is located in New Albany along the Ohio River. Part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, the Mansion is a masterpiece of Victorian artistry. With its hand-painted ceilings, carved rosewood staircase, marble fireplaces and crystal chandeliers, the Culbertson Mansion represents 19^th century affluence. For more information, call 812.944.9600 or visit indianamuseum.org/Culbertson.