Collection Management, Research and
Exhibits
Illustrations of the landscape plan were included
in the Gala décor, with exhibits, and fundraising
pledge materials. An exhibit about the landscape
history, Cairnwood preliminary plans ca. 18921894, and previews of master plan projects were
on view prior to and on the evening of the gala.
Landscape restoration efforts at Cairnwood
have been influenced by the conservation initiatives spearheaded by our neighbors and partners
in preservation, the Pennypack Ecological Trust.
As the steward of 810 acres of protected meadows,
woodlands and floodplain forests, the Trust manages Montgomery County’s second largest privately owned natural area that is open to the public.
On the evening of the gala, the Cairnwood Board
of Governors honored the Pennypack Trust for
their visionary mission of preserving undeveloped
and environmentally sensitive land deserving of
continued protection.
As an expression of gratitude for the generosity
of Cairnwood Silver Patrons who made a donation
of $1000 or more in support of the Gala, a Silver
Patron Party was hosted in the Glencairn medieval
gallery on November 9th. It was an elegant Moroccan themed soiree and served as an opportunity
to thank Cairnwood’s Patrons and show our appreciation. It also gave the staff at Cairnwood an
occasion to collaborate with the Glencairn staff for
a private shared event.
In association with the gala, a public lecture
and book signing with Justin Martin, author of
Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted,
and Lynn Raus (RLA) was hosted at the estate on
March 14th free of charge. Guests were treated to
an engaging study of Olmsted as a nontraditional
Renaissance man and given a behind-the-scenes
tour of the Cairnwood landscape master planning
process from Raus. The lecture was supported by
Lisa Parker-Adams who provided research materials and visual aids for both speakers.
The Evergreen & Emerald Gala: A Tribute to
Frederick Law Olmsted successfully raised $46,871
with 308 tickets sold and 62 companies generously
donating over $120,000 in goods, auction items
and in-kind services to bring the event to fruition.
We continue to receive positive feedback regarding the gala festivities and theme. Many guests
commented on the quality of the food, the elegant
ambiance of the estate and complimented the
Cairnwood team on a well-executed event.
Progress was made in the conversion of the playroom on the third floor into a permanent gallery
space for exhibitions of the John and Gertrude
collections. Improved track lighting, new cases
and display boards were installed. Intern Hannah Merrill, a senior from Mercyhust University
(Public History and Anthropology major) completed 331 hours for college credit, assisting with
exhibit development, object research, and photo
identification projects. The interpretation plan of
the exhibit groups the family collections around
the themes of Cairnwood as a New Church