Major Renovation of Edgar Allan...

Federal funding, through the “Save America’s Treasures” preservation program has been secured to implement the first major restoration of the historic landmark Edgar Allan Poe Cottage sine the city of New York purchased it in 1913 and opened it as a museum. The grant, secured through the efforts of Congressman José E. Serrano, has been matched with funding from the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission and city capital money put into the budget by NYC Councilman Joel Rivera, and the Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion’s Office. The restoration project calls for extensive interior and exterior conservation and preservation work, including window conservation, plaster restoration, removal of multiple layers of exterior paint, and wood repair, as needed. The anticipated start period for construction is Fall/Winter 2007. The Historic House Trust and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation will supervise the project, in coordination with the Bronx County Historical Society and the National Park Service, the project’s federal agency partner.

Poe Cottage, built c. 1812, as a City and State historic landmark, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here in Poe’s last home (1846-1849), he wrote such memorable works as “The Bells,” “Annabel Lee,” and “The Cask of Amontillado.” Visited by people from around the world, a guided tour through its period rooms is supplemented by a show on Poe’s life as understood in the context of 1840s New York. In addition to the Poe Cottage restoration work, 2007 should see the start of construction for the  Poe Park Visitors’ Center, expected to include public bathrooms and programmatic space. The historic house museum is operated by the Bronx County Historical Society and is a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City.