The State Historic Preservation Office of the Department of Economic and Community Development has awarded a $179,558.00 planning grant to the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum to move forward with ADA improvements and a new basement stair egress.
This pivotal Historic Restoration Fund grant from the State Historic Preservation Office of the Department of Economic and Community Development will support the Museum’s efforts to achieve ADA compliance requirements and move forward with the installation of the long-awaited elevator.
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“The Board of Trustees is focused on increasing access to this Connecticut State treasure, said Chairman of the Board Patsy Brescia. “We very grateful to the State Historic Preservation Office for funding universal access to our facility and to our Sen. Bob Duff and Representative Larry Cafero for their support in garnering this important grant.”
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Currently, this National Historic Landmark cannot host a considerable portion of our population as many areas of the Museum are currently inaccessible to the disabled and parents with strollers, due to lack of proper ramps and an elevator.
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum received support for this project from the State Historic Preservation Office of the Department of Economic and Community Development through Connecticut’s Historic Restoration Fund and the Community Investment Act of the State of Connecticut.
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion is known around the world as one the most significant examples of Victorian Era architecture. Built between 1864-68 as a summer residence by railroad tycoon LeGrand Lockwood, a treasurer of the New York Stock Exchange and renowned art collector. Lockwood, one of America’s first millionaire financiers, subsequently lost his fortune in the stock market crash of 1869. Charles D. Mathews acquired it in 1876. This well-to-do New York dynasty took full-time residence in the 30-acre Norwalk estate from the late 19th century through the Great Depression. It remained in the Mathews family until 1941 when the city purchased it for use as a park.
The State Historic Preservation Office Historic Restoration Fund most generously provides the funding that permits the Museum to be wholly accessible to the public allowing for the expansion of the visitor groups and programming of the Museum’s full facility. … all sixty-two rooms!” noted Trustee Susan Sweitzer.
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark. For more information on tours and programs please email info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com or call 203-838-9799.
