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DEDHAM, MA — The Fairbanks Family in America, Inc., steward of the historic Fairbanks House Museum, announces that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has awarded a $162,500 Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund Capital Grant to support restoration of the museum's historic roof and structure.
Constructed in 1637, the Fairbanks House is the oldest surviving timber-framed house in North America. Its aging roof system now requires comprehensive restoration to protect the 17th century timbers and other historic fabric beneath it.
The grant is a major state investment in the preservation of the Dedham landmark. Before the museum can use the award, it must raise the required private matching funds.
"This grant is a tremendous vote of confidence in the importance of the Fairbanks House," said Jeff Blood, President of the Fairbanks Family in America. "The Commonwealth has stepped forward to help preserve this Dedham landmark. We invite our local community, Fairbanks descendants, preservation supporters and history lovers everywhere to help us secure the match and protect the house for future generations."
The roof project will stabilize the building, replace deteriorated cedar shingles and structural elements where necessary, and protect nearly 400 years of architectural history from further deterioration.
Following a competitive bidding process and the recommendation of the museum's preservation consultant, Building Conservation Associates, Newton, MA, the Fairbanks Family in America Board of Directors voted unanimously to select Gerard O'Doherty Construction for the historic roof restoration.
Gerard "Gerry" O'Doherty is an experienced preservation carpenter whose work includes first period buildings and historic wood-shingle projects. At the Tilden House in Canton, he completed major preservation carpentry in 2019 after an extensive bidding process. The Canton Historical Society describes him as a preservation carpenter specializing in first-period buildings.
Project experience reviewed by the Board also included work on the Alaskan yellow cedar shingle roof at the Governor Shirley-Eustis House Carriage House in Boston, the award-winning restoration of St. Luke's Chapel, and ongoing restoration work at the Forbes House Museum.
"The Board reviewed BCA's recommendation, the bids and the available project references, and it was unanimous in supporting Gerry's selection," Blood said. "His experience with historic wood-shingle roofs, preservation carpentry and early buildings fits the care the Fairbanks House requires. We look forward to completing the remaining steps so the restoration can proceed."
The museum is launching a public fundraising initiative to secure the private support required to match the Commonwealth's investment and complete the project. Gifts of every size will help preserve the house and protect its collections, educational programming and public access.
The Fairbanks House Museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year from across the United States and around the world. It serves schools, researchers, descendants and visitors interested in early American history and architecture.
Online donations can be made at: secure.qgiv.com/for/massculturalmatchinggrantfundraising
Additional information about the project, progress updates and ways to participate will be posted on the museum's website and social media channels.
The Fairbanks House Museum, located at 511 East Street in Dedham, Massachusetts, preserves and interprets the oldest surviving timber-frame house in North America. Occupied continuously by eight generations of the Fairbanks family from 1641 to 1904, the house is one of the nation's most authentic examples of early colonial domestic architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Through tours, educational programming, research and preservation, the museum connects visitors with nearly four centuries of American history.
Jeff Blood
President, Fairbanks Family in America
Fairbanks House Museum
511 East Street
Dedham, MA 02026
Phone 781-326-1170
Email: homestead@fairbankshouse.org
Website: fairbankshouse.org
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