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Restoration, repair and maintenance of the numerous buildings, architectural structures, statuary, water features and more is key to preserving Mrs. Thompson’s beloved estate for the public to enjoy. Providing access to all the historical treasures on the grounds is part of preserving her legacy and Sonnenberg is eager to develop long-term endowments to meet that goal. Please consider providing individual, corporate or community support of the following special projects. |
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HORTICULTURE: |
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Tree and Plant Restoration: Many of the original plants from Mrs. Thompson's time
are still present, but replanting is critical to preserve the historical
landscape she once had. While replacing trees and plants found on the historic garden maps is integral to preservation of the estate, doing so is a costly project. A special book, "The Trees of Sonnenberg," guides visitors through a walking tour...read more |
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Orchid Collections: These tropical beauties are a delight to those visiting our greenhouses during our annual Orchid Show each spring and strolling through during the summer. Whether dendrobiums, cymbidiums, paphiopedilums, oncidiums, vanda alliance, phalaenopsis or others, your support will help maintain and expand our extensive collection. |
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Rose Collections: With the large number of rose bushes in our rose garden, we still lose a few each year to the elements in a never-ending battle with the weather. Our rose collection fund enables yearly replenishment of these beautiful blooms. |
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ARCHITECTURE: |
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The Old-Fashioned Garden Colonnade: The lovely panorama of the Colonnade arbor that stretches across our Old-Fashioned Garden has delighted visitors to our “three-season” garden. However, the columns and arbor beams have deteriorated, and for safety reasons, the visiting public or wedding photo shoot parties are prohibited from stepping underneath. The current estimate for repairs is...read more |
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Water Features and Fountains: In
June 2008, Sonnenberg hosted historic site experts on the grounds to create an “existing conditions report” on repairs to water features and fountains, such as our Rock Garden fountain. Throughout our gardens, other water features, such as the Pansy Fountain, are also in need of modern mechanical refurbishing. Additionally, reports the 1980’s on the original plantings of gardens ... read more |
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ONGOING OPERATIONAL NEEDS: |
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Herbie Rides Again: Our trams (multi-passenger golf carts – the one seen here has been nicknamed “Herbie” by some of our volunteers) transport thousands of people every year in all sorts of weather. As a result, the wear and tear on the vehicles ages them quickly. One new tram, a gift from the Friends of Sonnenberg, was added during our 2007 season, but more are needed. The rising cost of fuel also has had an impact on this vital guest service. Driving Miss Daisy … Crazy!: With numerous guests visiting the grounds, and the impact of upstate NY weather, the drive from our front gates to our parking area and exit can be a dusty or muddy trek, depending on the time of year. A complete paving of the entry road and expansive lot will improve the visitor experience, minimize yearly wear-and-tear and prove simpler to maintain. The Sign-Up Project: Signs, maps, and expanded educational programs to provide hands-on or interactive learning experiences for our visitors, especially our school children, are ongoing needs. |
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Open Doors on Third Floor: Help us bring the Mansion’s third floor up to current fire codes so that guests to the estate can visit this unique area. Projects range from new lighting, fire escape maintenance, to repair of mechanical infrastructure, signage and more. |
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FUTURE ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS: (Before you can do it, you must dream it!) |
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The Temple of Diana: Due to years of weathering of the stone, the dome of the Temple of Diana, located near the Sub-Rosa and Italian Gardens, was taken down and its column pillars set near the round pedestal before a harsh storm might damage the structure beyond repair. Diana herself now waits quietly in the Blue & White Garden to return to her original home. |
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The Japanese Tea House: In 2008, Mrs. Thompson’s Tea House, originally used as a children’s play area, will be 100 years old. Due to a weakened foundation, public access to the interior is currently prohibited.The Roman Bath House: Not far from the Japanese Garden lies what appears to be a simple brick building. Peep inside however, and glimpse the faded glory of Mrs. Thompson’s swimming pool, fashioned....read more |
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Carriage House Op Center: While the reception room area in our Carriage House, our primary private and business rental space, underwent an interior makeover in Winter 2008, there’s still more work to do. Ultimately, installation of a hardwood floor will provide longevity for this regularly-used rental space, but in addition, an entire second floor awaits! Repair and restoration...read more
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| SPONSORSHIPS: | ||||||
In addition to special projects, Sonnenberg welcomes sponsorship of our special events or operational activities. Your tax-deductible donation can underwrite the cost of producing a particular special event for the public, provide needed goods or services, assist in brand-marketing, or even boost the beauty of the estate through sponsorship of a specific garden. To explore how you or your company can partner with Sonnenberg, please contact Marketing & Development Manager Doug Kane at (585) 394-4922. To browse our calendar of events in search of a “merchant match” sponsorship opportunity for your organization, click here. |
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Latitude 42.90 ( 42°, 53') - Longitude -77.27 (-77°, 16') |
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151 Charlotte Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424 (585) 394-4922 |
© Designs by Bridgette - 2008 |
