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Project History
In 2004, Pearl S. Buck House was classified as one of Pennsylvania’s “At Risk” Historic Houses by Preservation Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth’s only statewide historic preservation organization. A Historic Structures Report (HSR) was prepared in February 2005, which identified a preservation strategy for the House. It included recommendations for restoration and repair to address the physical conditions, as well as any potential code violations and functional improvements. To address imminent preservation needs, the Campaign for Historic Preservation was established in three phases to raise funds specifically for this important endeavor.
Phase I
Completed in August 2007
Cost: $937,081 |
- Replaced decade-old “temporary” support posts with permanent piers and reinforced floor joints with steel plates
- Repaired the slate roof and the entire copper gutter system
- Restored all exterior doors and windows
- Removed biological growth on the exterior stonework which was then repointed to eliminate mortar cracks
- Dismantled balcony that was part of a 1950 renovation, and replaced the concrete and paver porch roof with new flat seam copper roof
- Repaired and repainted plaster wall in the dining room below the balcony
- Original shutters and their hardware were restored, repainted and re-hung
- Enhanced handicap accessibility by installing a concrete walkway and ramp to access the House and adding additional handicap parking spaces.
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Phase II
To begin January 2010
Estimated Cost: $518,963 |
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Phase II will install supplemental support rafters tied to existing rafters at various points on the third floor to achieve code and minimum live load capacity of 30 pounds per square foot. These upgrades will:
- prevent future structural deterioration
- allow access to the bedroom (which is currently closed to visitors)
- increase the number of visitors allowed on the second floor at one time
- increase handicapped accessibility to restrooms in the Cultural Center which supports visitors to the House, Tour Desk and Gift Shop
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Phase III
Estimated Cost: $955,584 |
| Phase III will focus on interior and exterior needs of the house, including resetting of the flagstone terrace, repair to water-damaged plaster, wood trim and cabinetry, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades. |
| Making a Gift |
Your donation will ensure that we can continue the mission and legacy of Pearl S. Buck. Click to Donate Now to the Capital Campaign for Historic Preservation!
Leadership Gifts
- Permanent recognition on a Campaign Donor Wall
- Personal inscribed brick embedded into the Preservation Walkway
- Campaign Keepsake
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| Visionary |
$50,000+ |
| Humanitarian |
$25,000+ |
| Nobel |
$15,000+ |
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Pulitzer |
$10,000+ |
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Good Earth |
$5,000+ | |
Sustaining Gifts
- Personal inscribed brick embedded into the Preservation Walkway
- Campaign Keepsake
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Literary |
$2,500+ |
| Cross-Cultural |
$1,000+ |
| Friend |
$500+ | |
Companion Gifts
We believe that many people will want to be a part of this important effort to preserve Pearl S. Buck House. In appreciation of their support, those who make a gift of $100 or more will receive a campaign keepsake. |
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| Donors to the Campaign Include, but are not Limited to: |
- National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Save America's Treasures Grant
- Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC)
- The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, through Heritage Philadelphia Program
- Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation
- 1772 Foundation
- Copernicus Society of America
- Bucks County Foundation
- PSBI Board of Directors
*This project is supported by a grant from the Heritage Philadelphia Program, a program of the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Heritage, funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts and administered by the University of the Arts. | |
