Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Historic Structure Report

Kroll, David; Ross, Benjamin; Schneider, Anne

From the Executive Summary: "This Historic Structure Report (HSR) was prepared to outline the history, evolution, and present conditions of the Benjamin Harrison house (Harrison house), a component of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, and to serve as a guide for future planning, maintenance, and restoration work. The HSR identifies existing conditions and issues as well as the need for further research and planning to ensure adequate stewardship and interpretation of this National Historic Landmark. The report includes recommendations for treatments of various spaces, features, materials, and systems based on research and assessment of existing conditions and considerations of the property's present and future needs. The overarching goal of all future work should be to preserve the property's historic fabric and the character-defining features from its period of significance. The report includes recommended treatments to maintain the integrity of the property, serving as a guide for future preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation work to enhance the site's interpretation and operations. The HSR is designed to serve as a living document, allowing the addition of new information as further investigation and rehabilitation work proceeds over the five to ten years. ...Restoration of the Harrison house's primary spaces to the period of significance will support the mission of the Presidential Site, enhancing existing interpretation by providing visitors with a more accurate and authentic experience of a place directly associated with historically significant people and events. Restoration and maintenance work completed under the guidance of historic preservation professionals will ensure the proper stewardship of this nationally-significant property for future generations. These improvements will enhance the public's understanding of the stories interpreted at the site, providing incentive for past visitors to return, while offering added benefits for the neighborhood and larger community. In these ways, the Harrison house can remain a relevant, vibrant place for engaging with history in a way that can inform our present and shape our future." Project funding was provided in part by a Historic Preservation Fund grant to the Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, administered by the State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior (grant number P18AF00019).

Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Historic Structure Report

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