Historic Preservation at Great Camp Sagamore
“Over the years, countless individuals have come together to protect and preserve Sagamore. These include people who, like you, understand the importance of saving our nation’s historic places and believe in the power of community spaces and lifelong learning. As we celebrate fifty years of Saving Sagamore to Share Sagamore, we ask for your support in this important preservation campaign. Please consider making your investment in the future of this special place.”
— Emily Martz, Executive Director, Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks
2025 Historic Preservation Projects
Preservation work in 2025 focuses on five projects to protect Sagamore’s historic buildings from further deterioration and damage from environmental forces. With the generous support from New York State, as well as donor contributions to date totaling $422,587, we are now $136,490 from reaching our MAY 31 GOAL OF $559,077. Learn about efforts and funds needed to preserve these buildings below!
Roofing: Dining Hall, Icehouse, and original Laundry Complex
Funds Needed: $136,814
SCOPE: Replacement of roofs on the Dining Hall, Icehouse, and original Laundry Complex. This work includes removing the entire existing roof, which in some cases is a double layer, and replacement of plywood and framing where needed. Contractors will install vents, ice and water barriers, along with starter shingles and architectural shingles. We will return the roof to its original color under William West Durant’s ownership: green. All work is based upon two roofing experts’ assessment of the roofs’ conditions, and the anticipated cost is based upon the contractor we will use.
Dining Hall Chimney & Foundation Wall
Funds Needed: $49,824
SCOPE: The Dining Hall’s fireplace and chimney rebuild consists of the removal and rebuild of the stone chimney and cap, approximately 14 feet high down to a little below roof level. The chimney needs to be removed because past repointing that had been done in an attempt to repair the chimney shows further signs of deterioration, and the existing chimney is out of plumb significantly (3 inches). Because of failure of flashing at the roof level, the surrounding roof sheathing on the eves has deteriorated and needs to be rebuilt as part of the project. There is also some spruce slab siding that needs to be replaced directly under the eaves. There is no visible interior water damage in the Dining Hall.
Main Lodge: Paint Windows & Trim & Ironwork Restoration
Funds Needed: $33,672
SCOPE: To continue the preservation of this iconic building once the porch restoration was complete in 2024, Facilities staff restored the large red doors on the lawn-facing side of the lodge. Volunteer efforts were also part of the entire restoration process. Professionals will scrape and repaint the sixty-nine windows and trim. In 2025, Facilities staff will repaint the lake side door, and Sagamore’s Blacksmith will repair the door’s latch and refabricate its slide bolts. The Blacksmith will also restore the original fireplace screen, rescreening it and replacing handles.
Roofing: Boathouse; Boat Shop; and Pole Barn
Funds Needed: $23,165
SCOPE: The metal Boat Shop and Pole Barn roofs are in good condition, and the Boathouse cedar shingle roof was restored in 2024. To preserve these roofs, the Boat Shop and Pole Barn will be repainted, and the Boathouse will receive a clear protective coat, which will be administered every three to four years.
Playhouse
Funds Needed: $315,602
SCOPE: Drainage improvements; replacement of two foundation walls that have been compromised due to poor drainage; repair of fireplace foundation which has sunk due to poor drainage; jacking of fireplace and realignment of building; cultural landscape report for area around the Playhouse that will be excavated for draining work; and replacement of original water service line.
Your past contributions have been instrumental in completing restoration projects that make Camp a vital cultural resource. Thank you.
To Contribute Directly from your Donor Advised Fund or Stock Holdings
EIN Number: 23-7401872
Firm Name: NFS LLC
DTCC: 0226
Account Name: Sagamore Institute, Inc
Account Number: k4k-130626
A Word from Ted Rhiele, Sagamore’s Sr. Director of Caretaking
Built deep in the Adirondack mountains 127 years ago by visionary great camps designer William West Durant, Great Camp Sagamore is America’s most significant, intact, and publicly accessible Gilded Age Great Camp.
As a nonprofit organization, Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks relies on donations from our community to keep this 27-building National Historic Landmark preserved, maintained, and open to the public.