Much Afoot

There is a lot happening at The Tilden House these days. We know that David and Abigail came to what was the "wilds of Dorchester" in the fall 1725. And so we are celebrating the 300th season of this house in this place. 

The second phase of this project is well underway. This is the next step in what began more than five decades ago. Here's a blog post highlighting the next phase of the Tilden House preservation project.

The Next Chapter: Tilden House Restoration Enters Phase II 
This is a pivotal moment in our mission to not only preserve this incredible structure but also to bring its rich history to life for future generations. Phase I focused on stabilization and critical repairs, and now, Phase II will delve into the detailed restoration and interpretive work that will truly transform the Tilden House.

Our work in this phase is a careful blend of historical accuracy and modern functionality, ensuring the house's story is told while making it accessible and sustainable for the future.

Exterior Enhancements
A new handicapped access walkway is being added to the north entrance, and we're regrading the perimeter to ensure proper drainage, protecting the foundation from water damage. We have installed two exterior interpretive panels to assist visitors in understanding the project details and history of the house. 

Interior Restoration and Interpretation
The interior work is where the house's past will truly be revealed. We're removing modern strip flooring and installing historically correct wide-board flooring throughout the first floor. We'll leave the upper landing's early pine boards as they are, a beautiful testament to the house's age.

A key feature of this phase is the installation of "view ports" in various walls. These are small, strategically placed windows that will allow visitors to see historical evidence that has been hidden for years. You'll be able to peer into the past, seeing things like early weather boards, shingles, chimney construction, and original rafter framing. For example, a view port in the Southwest Chamber will show the original chimney stacks, and another in the Southeast Chamber will reveal the early split lath and plaster.

To guide these decisions, we performed in-depth paint and materials analysis to inform our finishes. We'll be able to match original colors and textures, ensuring every detail is historically accurate. These details will be complemented by interpretive panels that will be carefully integrated into the historic fabric of the house, offering context without being obtrusive.
A Room-by-Room Look at the DetailsWe're approaching this project with a surgical level of precision, with specific plans for each area of the house. For example:

• First Floor: In the Southeast Room, we're considering leaving a section of the ceiling exposed to show the original floor joists and early whitewash. We'll open the east wall of the Southwest Room to reveal the chimney structure.
• 19th-Century Wing: View ports will highlight early shingles and evidence of the original north door.
• North Lean-to: In the East Room, we'll reinstall original evidence in sections of the north wall and add a view port to showcase a rising brace.
• Second Floor: The stair hall and landing will retain their original wide-board flooring and finishes, a nod to the building's earliest layers.
  
  

Modern Systems with a Light TouchWe're also installing essential modern systems discreetly. This includes a hot-air and cooling heating system for the first floor to allow for comfortable shoulder-season use, as well as new electrical wiring and lighting. A single, unisex restroom and a small kitchenette will be added on the first floor, providing necessary amenities without compromising the historic character of the space.

Phase II is all about connecting the past to the present. We can't wait to share the progress and the fascinating stories the Tilden House has to tell. Stay tuned for more updates as we delve deeper into this exciting new chapter!