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WASHINGTON,
D.C. (Friday, May 20)– Georgia
Congressman Jack Kingston (R) announced today
that $3.247 million has been included for work
on the Plum Orchard Mansion on Cumberland
Island. The funding is part of the Department
of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2006, which
was passed Thursday by the entire U.S. House
of Representatives.
“Plum
Orchard is a magnificent historic site that is
in dire need of restoration,” Congressman
Kingston said.
“It's important that we do
something now before this national treasure is
lost forever.”
Located
on Cumberland Island, a remote barrier island
on the Georgia Coast, Plum Orchard Mansion is
an 1898 Classical revival-style mansion that
was originally built by Thomas Carnegie. The
mansion is continuously threatened by severe
weather effects and is in need of a
comprehensive program of restoration to ensure
its survival.
Certain
sections of the building are visited by the
public and are in an unsafe condition. Many
important historic objects, such as
Carnegie-era Tiffany lamps, tables, desks and
a grand piano—all original to the site—are
either stored or exhibited in the mansion, and
these historical objects are at risk due to
the declining physical condition of the
mansion.
“Rep.
Kingston has been a long-term stalwart
supporter of reclaiming and restoring
Cumberland Island's historic structures,”
said Greg Paxton, president and CEO of The
Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation.
“Today's announcement is a strong step to
not only stabilize Plum Orchard but to
encourage long-term private investment to
sustain the future of this important
landmark.”
The
property was donated to the National Park
Service in 1992, with the agreement that it
would be maintained and kept open to the
public. The restoration project is supported
by the Georgia Trust for Historic
Preservation.
“I
am very pleased to hear there is funding in
the House Appropriations Budget for Phase II
of the restoration of the Plum Orchard
Mansion,” said Superintendent Jerre
Brumbelow. “Once the restoration is
completed, it will enhance the prospects for
an historic lease on the mansion and will
facilitate the long term conservation of this
significant cultural resource for the
enjoyment of future generations.”
The
appropriations bill will now be considered by
the U.S. Senate.
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