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Rackliffe House Restoration Approaches Halfway Point
Local Non-Profit Foundation Restoring Historic Eastern Shore Property Seeks Support
BERLIN — The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Rackliffe House Trust, Inc., announce that restoration efforts for the historic Rackliffe Plantation House at Assateague State Park have nearly reached midway.
“Few tidewater dwellings from the colonial era remain. The Rackliffe Plantation House stands out by virtue of its sea-front view, public accessibility, and well-documented picture of early merchant-planter life,” said Tom Patton of the Rackliffe House Trust, Inc. "It is the support from the community that is making this historic preservation project possible."
The property, located near the Assateague Bridge and bordering on Rum Pointe Golf Course, is a cradle of Maryland's coastal history as it includes a prehistoric Native American campground; a colorful connection to early English merchant-planters and was a target of attacks by British raiding parties. Through a long term curatorship lease with DNR, the Trust’s mission is to restore the ravaged structure to its stately 18th century appearance, provide for its curatorship and establish a heritage museum.
The museum will complement the natural resource focus of the National Park Service’s Barrier Island Visitors Center, the Assateague State Park Visitor Center, and the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore Education and Research Center, forming a “campus” setting. A walking path to the site will eventually form part of a trail system within the park.
“We are pleased with the successes that the partnership has accomplished thus far,” said Bruce Alexander. “From the replacement brickwork to the interior framework, these milestones would not be achievable without the integrated efforts of all involved.”
In addition to financial support, the Rackliffe House welcomes volunteers and their services in this effort. To become involved, visit www.rackcliffehouse.com or contact tom@rackliffehouse.com or Bruce Alexander at 410-260-8457.
June 26, 2008 Contact: Olivia Campbelll
410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell
ocampbell@dnr.state.md.usMaryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov
