preservation
The Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Association (WCMA) works in close collaboration with the New Hampshire Bureau of Historic Sites to conduct ongoing preservation of the Mansion and grounds. Recent restoration efforts include wallpaper, windows and blinds, and gardening on the grounds.
Grounds
The lilacs at the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion are the oldest in the United States. Royal Governor Benning Wentworth had the flowers planted around his home in Little Harbor as early as 1750. The flowers, which once surrounded the Mansion in large, healthy bushes, were assiduously cared for by later owners of the site.
Over the last two decades, these plants have become infected with Armillaria or honey fungus. This highly destructive parasite causes root rot and eventually kills the infected plants.
Unfortunately, there is no cure. The infected lilacs must be removed from the property and destroyed.
The Wentworth-Coolidge Commission is working to maintain the presence of lilacs on the grounds through the care of new lilacs in a nursery bed, and planting lilacs in locations where the soil is most healthy for them.
Mansion
In more recent years, wallpaper has been restored in multiple rooms and new blinds protect the improvements from sun damage (seen in the photo).
Continuing to improve the interior of the Mansion, the Wentwork-Coolidge Mansion Association is beginning a project in 2025 to address accessibility, improve and restore lighting, and painting specific areas in need.
Talk to us
Have any questions? For tours and other Mansion details, visit the NH State Parks page. To reach the Association, please use the button below.