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PRESERVING POPLAR HILL

 

Poplar Hill on His Lordship's Kindness (a.k.a. just simply "His Lordship's Kindness") is widely recognized as one of the finest examples of 18th century five-part Georgian architecture in America.

Historic MarkerIt was primarily because of its extraordinary architectural significance that the United States Department of the Interior designated Poplar Hill as a National Historic Landmark in 1970 - the highest form of recognition that a historic property or monument can receive in the United States. Poplar Hill is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

To date, the mansion is one of only three (3) historic structures in Prince George's County, Maryland to receive the prestigious honor of being designated a "National Historic Landmark."

Since 1995, the John M. and Sara R. Walton Foundation, Inc. owns, maintains and operates Poplar Hill as a historic house museum and educational facility.

The John M. and Sara R. Walton Foundation, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) private foundation created in 1988 by the late John M. Walton, Sr. and his wife Sara R. Walton for the expressed purpose of providing for the perpetual preservation of Poplar Hill on His Lordship's Kindness and for its ongoing operation as an educational museum facility.

 

THE CRITICAL NEED:

View of the historic roofFor the most part, the historic house is remarkably well preserved. From the time of its completion in 1787 up to the present day - the structure retains a remarkable amount of its original fabric as well as its historic setting. The latter includes garden terraces and a collection of outbuildings that few other historic houses in Maryland can match.

Nevertheless, there is one very important aspect of the current physical condition of the building that represents a critical need which must be addressed, if this treasured landmark is to be preserved for future generations, and that aspect is its roof.

The existing shingle roof is approximately seventy-five (75) years old and is steadily deteriorating. Repaired and patched numerous times over the past four decades, mere patching and repairs to the roof are more difficult and less cost effective.

During inclement weather, heavy rain or snow settles in a "valley-like" space on the main roof between two dormer windows facing the garden side of the main house. An accumulation of snow or rain presents a "flooding" problem in the attic. This then precipitates damaging leaks to the second floor ceilings. If the roof is allowed to go un-restored, the processes of natural weathering and climatic changes will increase and accelerate the already significant roof deterioration. This will eventually threaten the structural integrity and very existence of this National Historic Landmark.

We need your help! Consider making a donation to the John M. and Sara R. Walton Foundation. Your contribution will help us to address this critical need and ensure the continued preservation and operation of this priceless National Historic Landmark and publicly accessible museum facility.

Your donation is tax deductible. For more information contact: The John M. and Sara R. Walton Foundation, 7606 Woodyard Road, Clinton, Md. 20735. Phone; 301-856-0358, or via email at: poplar.hill@verizon.net