Local Donor Inspired to Help Preserve National Landmark Building

Danvers, MA— The Danvers Historical Society, with the assistance of a generous local donor, recently completed exterior updates to the National Landmark Derby Summer House at Glen Magna Farms in Danvers.

The donor, who declined to be identified, was inspired by the grandeur of the historic building and the need to continue preservation work on this architectural treasure, designed by Samuel McIntire in 1793-1794. The anonymous funder supported the cost of painting the exterior of the 225-year old structure, which will help weather-proof the building envelope and maintain its integrity.

“We are incredibly thankful that this donor recognized the urgent need to complete the exterior project and was able to partner with us this summer,” says Tom Page, President of the Society.

Work is ongoing to preserve the Federal-style structure, created for Revolutionary War-era merchant Elias Haskett Derby of Salem. An emergency state grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission in 2016 addressed water damage in area of the roof and facade. More recent funding from the Essex National Heritage Partnership Grant Program, a Historic New England Community Preservation Grant, and private donors supported repairs to the original windows and other features of the building.

Remaining projects include updates to the brick wall and decorative fountain in the historic Rose Garden adjacent to the Summer House, as well as the restoration of “The Reaper” and “The Milkmaid,” two early examples of American wooden sculpture that once adorned the roofline.

“Glen Magna Farms is often seen as part of the adjacent town property of Endicott Park. While we enjoy the same beautiful landscape, the Historical Society is a private organization and independently maintains the buildings and grounds at Glen Magna. We actively pursue funders and donors, who are as passionate about preserving these historical resources as we are,” says Page.

Although several spring and summer programs were postponed due to the pandemic, the Historical Society is maintaining its outreach to members, partners, and the wider community through enhanced in-person and virtual programming. Limited capacity indoor programs, like the Historical Film Series, are back on the calendar. Streaming programs through Facebook and YouTube, with the assistance of the Danvers Community Access TV, have also sparked new interest in the history of the region and are drawing new audiences to the stories that the Society preserves.

Danvers History Director of Operations Laura Cilley adds, “Even in the middle of this crisis, we are connecting with our community and finding new ways to delight and educate. And, we welcome the support of our community. Without donors like the one who stepped forward this summer, we wouldn’t be able to preserve treasures like the Derby Summer House for our members or the public to enjoy.”

The Danvers Historical Society is an independent nonprofit organization. It operates and maintains a portfolio of historic buildings within Danvers, including Glen Magna, Tapley Memorial Hall, and the Jeremiah Page House. Programming and volunteer opportunities, as well as information about membership and ways to donate directly, can be found at www.DanversHistory.org.