Lefferts Historic House recognized for conservation efforts

August 6, 2013 Editorial Staff

The 18th century Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. (Photo courtesy of the Lefferts Historic House)

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Brooklyn’s Lefferts Historic House will be welcoming improvements thanks to the Heritage Preservation 2013 Conservation Assessment Program (CAP).

“We are honored to be accepted into the 2013 Conservation Assessment Program and thank the Heritage Preservation for working with the Prospect Park Alliance to preserve this timeless treasure,” stated Prospect Park Alliance President Emily Lloyd.

The Prospect Park Alliance announced the acceptance on Friday, August 2. As part of the conservation process, a professional conservator will survey the historic house for two days and then spend three days writing up his or her findings to decide exactly what work needs to be done. Thanks to this comprehensive analysis, staff at the Lefferts Historic House will be able to decide as well what needs to be enhanced.

The assessment had to be applied for, explained Paul Nelson, the Lefferts House spokesperson, who added that, once it is completed, staffers at the historic home will have to look for ways to fundraise the money on their own for the improvements. The museum has not received any recent improvements and its staff is looking forward to the opportunity.

Heritage Preservation’s President, Lawrence Reger explained that Lefferts Historic House was chosen for “making the vital work of caring for collections and sites a priority of their institution and helping ensure that they are available to present and future generations.”

In its 22 years running, CAP has assisted 2,800 other museums by providing them with much needed funds to preserve the history of these reminders of a time long gone by.

Lefferts Historic House was built in the 18th century by a Dutch family and showcases the Brooklyn atmosphere from the pre-colonial era. The house is maintained by the Prospect Park Alliance, and while it is open to the public Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. for the summer, the house also hosts special weekend events throughout the year.