Woodlawn Museum, Garden and Park has been issued a $20,000 challenge by an anonymous donor for its 2014-2015 Annual Appeal. Every donation to the appeal from now until the end of 2014 will be matched, dollar for dollar up to the $20,000.
According to executive director, Joshua Campbell Torrance, “In 2014, we did much to build upon past years’ efforts to do even more for our region while continuing to operate in the “black”. An anonymous donor has recognized Woodlawn’s success and issued this $20,000 challenge to keep the momentum going in 2015.”
Each year in its annual appeal, Woodlawn reflects on its accomplishments in the past year. In 2014, Woodlawn hosted over fifty programs that connected people to the traditions and culture of Downeast Maine. The trails, grounds, community garden and croquet court were used by more people than ever before. Student programs grew with nearly 300 elementary school children attending October field days and numerous high school students working on history projects. In partnership with other groups, there have been running races on the trails, a Winter Carnival in February, the Downeast Heirloom Apple Day in October and the Ellsworth Antiques Show in August.
Preservation of the estate continued in 2014 with the butler’s pantry and interior shutters in the Black House restored. A planting plan was developed when a number of dying pine trees were removed. A master property plan to guide future expansion and growth on the estate was created with help from Oudens Ello Architecture. And, most significantly, John and Mary Black’s “best” bed was conserved and reinstalled with the original cotton dimity textiles which makes it one of America’s most important and rare cultural artifacts from the early 1800’s.
Gifts to the 2014-2015 Annual Appeal will help maintain Woodlawn for recreational use and create innovative programming allowing students and visitors to experience the property and learn about the region’s heritage. Community members are invited to help Woodlawn meet the $20,000 challenge with a gift mailed to Woodlawn, at PO Box 1478, Ellsworth, Maine, 04605.