Securing the Stage Set for the Next Century

Our Conservation Efforts

The Maxfield Parrish Stage Set has survived for more than a century, thanks to the dedication of the Plainfield community, the Plainfield Historical Society, and countless donors and volunteers. Conservation is an ongoing effort, requiring both immediate care and long-term planning to protect this nationally significant treasure.

Current Preservation Work

For over 30 years, the Maxfield Parrish Stage Set Committee of the Plainfield NH Historical Society has preserved and maintained the Parrish Stage Set. In 2022, the Plainfield Town Hall Committee, appointed by the Selectboard, realized that the Maxfield Parrish Stage Set and the Town Hall needed attention. The stone foundation along with improper drainage around the town hall and in the crawlspace had caused excessive humidity that was resulting in damage to the Parrish Stage Set such as mold on the corrugated backings.

While estimates for all work to be done are still coming in, after the humidity is resolved (which will be costly with stone foundation repointing and repair, and additional measures for humidity reduction), the Maxfield Parrish Stage and the Set itself will need over $75,000 of preservation including the set, fire retardant proscenium curtains, electrical upgrades, and humidity control.

Thanks to generous individual donors, the Plainfield Town Hall Fund, and major grants totaling more than $100,000 from the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) and the New Hampshire Arts Council Moose Plate Grant Program, significant preservation work has already been completed. Moisture, foundation, chimney, and drainage issues have been addressed; humidity levels reduced; aging rigging replaced; electrical systems in key areas upgraded; and the historic proscenium curtain and window shades brought into compliance with current fire-retardant standards.

Rick Kerschner, Principal of Kerschner Museum Conservation Services, LLC

Grant Awards

The conservation of the Stage Set has been supported by competitive state and local grant programs, including:

  • Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP): Funding for stone foundation and chimney repair, along with site drainage improvements.
  • “Moose Plate” Grant by the NH State Council on the Arts: Funding for rigging rope replacement, electrical upgrades, new room darkening shades, and new backings for the Stage Set wings.
  • Community Support and Donations: Generous contributions from local residents and supporters across the East Coast have been essential to ongoing conservation.

  • New Hampshire Charitable Foundation

  • Tasker Bridge Fund

Future Needs and Projected Costs

Critical work still lies ahead. $175,000 needed!

An immediate priority is raising the required $125,000 match for the LCHIP grant within the next two years. We can’t begin the work until match funds are secured! This funding will support essential work including humidity control in the basement crawl space and on the stage, electrical and fire safety upgrades, exterior painting, and repair or replacement of deteriorated shingles and structural beams.

Conservation experts from the Williamstown Art Conservation Center have recommended a full professional cleaning of the stage set, mold remediation, and treatment of surface abrasions to ensure its long-term preservation. Stage set conservation alone is estimated to exceed $50,000 and cannot begin until the underlying humidity issues are fully resolved.

Longer-term improvements include installation of permanent climate and humidity control systems (including insulation and heat pumps), a fire aspiration system, compartmentalization of certain areas for fire containment, interior painting, and floor refinishing. This next phase of work is expected to exceed $400,000, and many funding opportunities require matching donations.

Donate Today

Join Us in Conservation

Since 1916, generations of Plainfield residents and supporters have worked to protect this extraordinary artwork. With your help, we can continue that tradition and secure the Maxfield Parrish Stage Set for the next century.

Make A Donation