Help Renovate the Cliveden Barn!
Support Cliveden's efforts to renovate the barn and improve accommodations for the community!
In the 21st century, the Cliveden Barn and Carriage House is more than old stone barn. For historic site operations, the building houses staff offices, museum exhibit space, collections and facilities storage. Cliveden rents the space to community partners and neighbors for events and meetings, for a low-cost fee or barter exchange.
History of the Cliveden Barn & Carriage House
The Barn and Carriage House was built in 1766 by mason John Hesser and carpenter Jacob Knorr, with at least six additions to adapt it as the property increased agricultural use through the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. In 1970, an arson fire destroyed over half the roof and much of the wood interior, driving the Chew family to transfer stewardship of the property to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which opened the historic site to the public in 1973. The barn was rehabilitated to serve as visitor center and administrative offices, which served the organization for nearly 50 years. A renovation is now needed to improve efficiency and accommodations for the wide community users of the building.
A comprehensive slate of improvements to the facility are planned in order to improve public access and amenities, including substantial renovations to the kitchen and bathrooms, necessary updates to the HVAC system, electrical and plumbing, repairs and painting to the exterior woodwork, windows and doors. Funding for the project will be provided by the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance and Capital Program (RACP) and by funds from the Roy Hock Foundation committed by the Cliveden Board, but matching funds are needed to complete the renovation.
The project will not only improve the curb appeal of the most publicly used building on the site but invest in energy efficiency and economy. Help support our efforts by donating towards the Cliveden Barn Restoration Project!
Support the Cliveden Barn Renovation Project!
Your support for the Cliveden Barn Renovation Project will help Cliveden continue to offer the building as a visitor center and community hub for education history programs, exhibits, and events.
Donations can be made in three ways:
Via Postal Mail: Checks should be made to 'Cliveden of the National Trust' and mailed to 6401 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144.
Online Form: Use the form below to make a donation through eTapestry. Donations can also be made through PayPal; click on 'PayPal' button after completing the online form.
Supporting the Barn Renovation Project has great rewards!
Donors to the Barn Renovation Project are eligible for great benefits. See below for more information.
Farmer: $250
Harvester: $500
Gardener: $1,000
Orchard: $5,000
Estate Manager: $10,000
Haymaker: $25,000
The Barn: $50,000
Your support of the Barn Renovation Project will invest in energy efficiency and economy, and in improving the appearance and functionality of the most publicly-used building on the site. Please consider donating today!
Thank you to our supporters!
