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A National Historic Landmark, the Bartow-Pell Mansion is the last of more than a dozen architecturally distinctive homes that once overlooked Long Island Sound along the shores of Pelham Bay.
Designed by an unknown architect and built between 1836 and 842, the three-story Greek Revival mansion features a dramatic, freestanding spiral staircase that connects the elegant ground floor parlors with the bedrooms above. When built, the home was surrounded by pastureland, orchards and lawns sloping down to Pelham Bay. It typified elegant, mid-19th century country living in the region.
The Bartow family, descendants of Thomas Pell who in 1666 received a land grant issued to the Manor of Pelham by the first English Governor of New York, Richard Nicholls, lived in the house for 50 years. In 1888, the Bartow children sold the estate to the City of New York to become part of Pelham Bay Park. During the next 25 years the buildings and gardens were left to deteriorate.
They were rescued by the International Garden Club, a group of prominent New Yorkers intent on promoting horticultural knowledge and saving the mansion. The group obtained a long-term lease and, beginning in 1914, used the building as its headquarters. Raising funds to restore the house and plant formal gardens, their project was one of the earliest public restoration efforts in the United States. The restoration work and design of the gardens were both carried out by the architectural firm of Delano & Aldrich.
The International Garden Club has officially become the Bartow-Pell Conservancy. However, it is still charged with the restoration and upkeep of the house, carriage house and grounds, which include formal terraces, a fountain, and herb and perennial gardens, as a museum. The project to restore the garden to the original Delano & Aldrich design began in 2008.
The current gardens at the rear of the house were designed by William Delano of Delano & Aldrich and constructed from 1915-1916. Delano’s design covered the sloping ground with a series of descending terraces enclosed by stone walls. The rectangular walled garden is divided into quadrants by flagstone walks and steps that surround a central, square pond.
In the past two years, AiP volunteers have restored two of the four sets of stone walkways. In August, they will restore the third set. The work involves removing previous, inharmonious Portland cement repairs and replacing them with galleting, a form of fine masonry that involves filling the space between large stones with small pieces, or gallets.
The four-day workshop also includes lunchtime presentations by local historians who will share their insider knowledge of the area, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Bartow-Pell Mansion.
The property is now owned by New York City Dept. of Parks & Recreation, managed by the Bartow-Pell Conservancy and is a member of the Historic House Trust of NYC.
Work will be led by local mason Kevin Towle, who specializes in natural masonry. As with all our workshops, no experience is necessary, as Kevin and his crew will teach you the necessary skills. Instruction will be in English.
Activities take place Monday – Thursday from 8 am to 4:00 pm. The workshop fee of $225 covers lunch, field trips and presentations, workshop instruction and materials, and insurance. Transportation to the site each day is the responsibility of each participant. Contact us if you would like help with carpooling.
If you live outside the New York area and would like to gallet with the group, contact us for assistance in finding lodging. Additional fees may apply.
Summer in New York City can be hot and humid with daytime average highs of 32 C (90 F), though working outside will feel hotter. Shade will be provided by canopies when possible. Bring clothing that is appropriate for the weather as well as protective while working. Close-toed shoes are required; long pants and long-sleeved shirts should be brought to the site, although they may not be required at all times. Water bottles, sun screen and insect repellent are highly recommended. Please be conscious that safety is an important issue at any work site.
Sunday
Arrival, if coming from out-of-town.
Monday
Meet Kevin Towle and other volunteers at 8am for orientation, followed by instruction and galleting.
Lunch provided at the site.
Tuesday through Thursday
Work 8-4, with lunch provided at the site.
Half-day field trip.
Friday
Departure if from out-of-town.
If you have additional questions or would like to discuss this project with AiP staff, please contact us at workshops@adventuresinpreservation.org or call +1 303-444-0128.
Attending the Bartow-Pell workshop is a great way to help preserve this National Historic Landmark. If you find this project intriguing, but are unable to attend, you can still make an impact by supporting restoration work at the museum with a tax-deductible donation to AiP. Your donation will go directly to providing scholarships, purchasing vital materials, and planning the final phase of work.
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If you would prefer to mail in a gift, please use our donation form.
