Preservation of the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials: Protection from Falling Stone and Stone Inspection Access
Newlin K, Hartman G, Davidson G, Browne H, Demallie M. 1991. Preservation of the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials: Protection from Falling Stone and Stone Inspection Access. Historic Structure Report. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
This report was instituted as a result of the preliminary stone survey at the Jefferson Memorial (Summer 1990.) A crack in the volute of a portico column (no.9) at the Jefferson Memorial was observed; the volute was not able to be removed, although eight others were removed for safety during the survey. The cracked volute therefore needs to be stabilized until a method of permanently repairing the volutes is developed. During the survey, the exterior faces of the capitals were not inspected because of lack of access. To ensure that the volutes which face the exterior are not in imminent danger of falling, access must be provided for the survey. This is particularly important at the public entrance to the chamber through the portico. In addition, during the marble study for Phase IIA the parapet of the Lincoln Memorial was observed to be in a state of serious decay. In particular, the carved areas directly above the entrance to the Memorial have already lost several small pieces. Public access to the Memorials, especially heavily populated areas such as the entrance to the statuary chamber, must be safely maintained. Immediate protection should be provided at the parapet until such time as the marble can be more permanently stabilized. A secondary result of the stone surveys was our recommendation for an in-depth stone survey of both Memorials. This will require close access to most of the surfaces of the Memorials. The scope of future survey, test, and construction work at these areas is undefined. Consequently, the precise means of access to the parapets, etc. for this purpose should be decided at a later, more informed and appropriate time.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Newlin, Keith; Hartman, George; Davidson, Graham; Browne, Henry; Demallie, Margret
- Date of Issue
- 1991-07
- Publisher
- U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
- Units
- NAMA , NCR
- Keywords
- jefferson memorial, lincoln memorial
- Subjects
- CRIS-HS: 000733: Jefferson Memorial - Res. 332 , CRIS-HS: 006441: Lincoln Memorial - Res. 332