Historic Preservation at Great Camp Sagamore

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, we rely on donations from our community to keep this 27-building campus maintained, thriving, and open to the public.

We appreciate your help on the way to our $441,029 goal!

THANK YOU!

We have raised $136,300 and are just $11,645 away from our Phase I goal of $150,000.

A gift of any amount makes a big difference. Thank you.

Donate Today

2024 Historic Preservation Projects

Preservation projects in 2024 focus on six buildings critical to visitors’ experiences that showcase Sagamore’s exceptional architecture. Learn about work needed to preserve these buildings and their uses below!

In case you missed it, enjoy this recording of our Community Zoom on April 23. During the Zoom, Ted, Sagamore’s Facilities director & Head Caretaker, shares more about these projects and our progress.

ZOOM LINK

Main Lodge and Dining Hall

Built in 1897 as W.W. Durant's first two structures at Sagamore, the iconic Main Lodge and Dining Hall are the central gathering places at Camp.

PRESERVATION WORK NEEDED:

Restore the historic features of four chimneys
Upgrade the electrical infrastructure in historic staff housing

Alfred’s and Gloria’s Cabins

Constructed by Margaret Emerson for her children as they came of age, Alfred’s (c. 1937) and Gloria’s (c. 1939) lakeside cabins are now favorite accomodations for families and couples.

PRESERVATION WORK NEEDED:

Upgrade electrical infrastructure
Restore railings and stairs with bark-on cedar logs - COMPLETE!

Wigwam Cabin - COMPLETE!

Built in 1901 as lodging for Alfred's unmarried male guests and men who came without their wives, Margaret doubled its size in 1915 to accommodate even more guests. Today, guests sleep in the original poster beds, and the cabin is a popular stop on the Historic Tour.

PRESERVATION WORK NEEDED:

Replace railings with bark-on cedar logs and repair stairs

The Boathouse - COMPLETE!

Built in 1897, guests use Sagamore's historic Boathouse daily for adventures on Sagamore Lake.

PRESERVATION WORK NEEDED:

Complete the restoration with bark-on cedar columns and bracing

The Playhouse

Designed by William Coulter in 1901, Alfred built for his family and guests what he referred to as the Casino. Margaret later renamed it the Playhouse, and today's guests gather here for concerts, conferences, and a variety of programs.

PRESERVATION WORK NEEDED:

Restore Sagamore's most magnificent fireplace
Repair two walls of the building's foundation and upgrade drainage
Commission a cultural landscape report for the area around the Playhouse

Donate to historic preservation at Sagamore

Your past contributions have been instrumental in completing restoration projects that make Camp a vital cultural resource.

see recent projects here

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 great way to contribute- Enter to win a painting from Plein Air painting workshop participants!

From May 21 through May 31, every $25 contributed counts as a entry to win one of three paintings donated by participants of Sagamore’s Plein Air painting program! Simply click the link under the painting(s) of your choice, make a contribution of $25 or more, and receive a chance to win as a thank you from Sagamore for each $25 donated! You are welcome to enter to win more than one painting.

We are grateful to the wonderfully generous Plein Air painters who donated their art to help raise money to preserve Sagamore’s buildings for others. Thank you, artists!