Lynnewood Hall in Elkins Park was purchased by the nonprofit Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation exactly one year ago.
Edward Thome and partner Angie Van Scyoc created the Foundation in 2019 and reached out with their sentiments today:
“We are humbled and honored to be the stewards of such a significant and culturally important piece of American history. This home and grounds are works of art that require much repair. We endeavor, however, to honor the past and enlighten our future by restoring the estate and returning it to the community as an art museum, cultural center, and multifaceted recreational facility,” they wrote. “The Widener family deeply believed that art should be appreciated and accessible to all people and we wish to continue that legacy to the best of our ability.”
The clip below was created by the Foundation’s summer intern Jessica Packard:
The Foundation’s announcement ended with a quote on behalf of Joseph E. Widener:
The attitude which many other peoples have and which I hope our people will acquire, is easiest expressed by referring to music. To whom does it belong? To anyone, it has been said, with an inherent ability to appreciate it. There is something about great art of any kind – painting, sculpture, the work of skilled craftsmen – that will move a person of a certain temperament. I have seen them come and view the collection at Lynnewood Hall, and watched, reflected in the changing expressions of their faces, the deep appreciation which would begin to steal over them.
Last week, privately held photos of the Widener family were shared:
Other recently images of the work-in-progress:
To donate to the Foundation, you can click here. Their website is here.
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Photos: LHPF