Lippitt House Masonry Restoration Project
For the first time in its 160-year history, Lippitt House's full exterior masonry facade is being restored.
Lippitt House Museum is an exquisite example of 19th-century architecture. It is the quintessential Italianate Victorian villa, distinguished by exceptional craftsmanship, materials, and artistry. Today, the Museum’s highest priorities are preserving this remarkable building, interpreting its rich history, and sustaining it as a vibrant place of learning and public engagement.
Time Has Taken Its Toll
Time has taken its toll on this National Historic Landmark's masonry components. The exterior brick, brownstone, and the mortar that binds them have significantly deteriorated. This wear compromises visitor safety and risks water damage to the beautifully preserved interiors that make the house such a rare Victorian treasure.
The Historic Structures Report that has guided Lippitt House preservation efforts for the last 15 years identified several major areas that need to be addressed, the most pressing including roof replacement, fire-detection system installation, and exterior restoration. The first two issues were addressed and completed in 2018 and 2024, respectively, and now the Museum is embarking on the last, most significant item on list—the exterior masonry restoration.
Historic image of Lippitt House Museum (c. 1867).
Deteriorated brownstone at a porch step.
Exterior of Lippitt House at present day.
Historic image of Lippitt House Museum (c. 1867).
The Goal for 2026
While the scope of the project is significant, the Museum’s goal is simple: to reverse 160 years of deterioration that compromises this landmark’s exterior beauty, threatens water infiltration into the interiors, and poses safety risks.
The entire brick façade will be repointed. When mortar erodes, it must be repointed with new material to prevent water infiltration and maintain the structural bond. This is crucial to protect the fine, hand-painted interiors at Lippitt House. Deteriorated trim elements, steps, and door sills will be repaired or replaced in keeping with the building’s historic character. Thirty-five pieces of no longer quarried historic Portland brownstone have been secured to replace some of the most badly damaged pieces. Additional timely capital improvements also will be addressed, ensuring the long-term preservation and stability of the Museum.
Thanks to support from federal, state, and private donors, this crucial work has commenced! The restoration project has received major grants from the History of Equal Rights Grant Program, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly; and The Champlin Foundation. Private donors include The Philmoney Trust, The Cocroft Family, and Charles Steedman.
While we have raised nearly all of the $1.3 million needed to restore and safeguard the Museum as a thriving community resource, an additional $150,000 is required to meet our goal. Can you join us in protecting this historic treasure for years to come?
Help us preserve this architectural gem by donating to the Lippitt House Museum Capital Fund today!
