Embrace the Hustle: Winter Projects at Rose Hill
By Mel Oles, Visitor Services and Program Manager at Rose Hill Mansion and Johnston House
As the snowflakes blanket the picturesque landscape of Rose Hill and the only sound is the geese flying over it may seem like there is no activity on site. However, if you opened the front door, you would see many projects happening inside the mansion.
To maintain this historic property, regular maintenance and thorough cleaning are essential. Keeping the carpets clean not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a healthy environment for visitors and staff. The regular cleaning prevents the buildup of dirt and dust. Focusing on high-traffic areas, we used a professional carpet cleaning service, Woody’s Pro Clean, to remove embedded dirt and rejuvenate the carpets.
Maintaining the charming interiors of the mansion involves periodic painting. Jeff Newcomb’s company has painted at Rose Hill for many years. They are patching cracks and painting walls and shutters. This winter’s interior painting project is one of the largest in decades.
Maintaining the overall cleanliness of the mansion requires attention to detail. Furniture, delicate objects, and decorative items require regular dusting. The wooden floors are also carefully vacuumed and wiped. These are ongoing projects throughout the year.
Mike Montgomery of Vintage Lighting Restoration inspected two light fixtures and updated the wiring. They will be used on rainy or dark days in the front parlor. The two fixtures are Argand lamps. Made by Messenger & Sons around 1850, the lamps were imported from England and purchased in Boston. Mike didn’t know when someone added wiring and switches. They look lovely on the mantel in the front parlor.
The staff conducts research on many different subjects. My current research projects are the landscape and for the upcoming season’s exhibits. I’m especially interested in how the land can help tell the story of the property. Making changes to the landscape is a slow step by step project, but it will allow visitors to step back in time.
We are also diligently planning the 2024 season, aiming to make it filled with experiences for both tourists and the community.
Winter at Rose Hill is a busy time. Programs will start in April and the site will reopen in May for regular guided tours. Remember to check our website or social media for the latest events, programs, and updates. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Rose Hill.
This is a good reminder that when Rose Hill is closed, work is still going on.
Thanks Mel for the update of the work going on at RH during the Winter month. RH is a jewel and needs a lot of care.