OPINION: Ensuring the Future of the Perry Hall Mansion

County Councilman David Marks presented an last week to strengthen the ongoing preservation and restoration efforts associated with the historic . Marks proposed that ownership of the structure be transferred from Baltimore County government to a non-profit entity. He also suggested that control over the use and restoration of the property be given to Friends of the Perry Hall Mansion volunteers. 

As president of the Friends of the Perry Hall Mansion organization, I believe this represents a common sense approach to fostering the ongoing revival of this important landmark, while also ensuring direct community participation in the process. Locally, there are two excellent examples of how non-profit organizations can successfully restore and operate historic structures. 

Immediately to our north, since 1985, the Friends of Jerusalem Mill have restored one of the oldest mill villages in Maryland. They are presently responsible for the use and preservation of six structures: the gristmill, the gun shop, the blacksmith shop; the springhouse, the general store and the covered bridge.

They are a non-profit group made up of volunteers interested in historic preservation and local history. In addition to raising funds for ongoing maintenance and the possible restoration of neighboring buildings, the Friends offer a multifacated living history program. Visitors to Jerusalem Mill can observe hearth cooking, blacksmithing and woodworking. Special events, such as concerts and Civil War reenactments are also held periodically.

To our south, on the grounds of Rocky Point Golf Course, the Ballestone Preservation Society diligently works to preserve and spread awareness of the Ballestone-Stansbury House. The home was originally built in the mid-1700's, while restoration of the property began in 1974 and was substantially completed by 1977.

Ballestone-Stansbury House was restored to depict the residence of a typical middle-class family living in the late 18th to mid-19th centuries. The period decor in each room visualizes each phase of architectural development of the site. The Ballestone Preservation Society regularly sponsors special exhibits related to American history, American decorative and applied arts and the history of the site and area. The site frequently plays host to a variety of seasonal events and living history reenactments. 

These two organizations display the commitment and hard work of their members. Moreover, the communities in which these two landmarks reside have fully embraced their presence and support their preservation and ongoing use.

From my experience, it is clear that the dedicated group of individuals who make up the Friends of the Perry Hall Mansion are ready to follow in the footsteps of the role model groups described above. However, the guiding spirit and persistence of today's Perry Hall Mansion volunteers must be augmented. Individuals living or working in Perry Hall must recognize that the important work of preserving our heritage is truly a shared responsibility. Only grassroots support can ensure the future of our Perry Hall Mansion.