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The LandmarkT H E B L O U N T M A N S I O N A S S O C I AT I O N | W I N T E R 2 0 1 3

Historic Preservation in Action

Archaeology at the Mansion

New Assistant to the Director

Dave Hearnes begins January6, 2014, as thenew Assistant tothe Director.Dave comes to

us from Southeast Missouri

State University’s HistoricPreservation program. Youcan contact him atinfo@blountmansion.org. Welcome to BMA, Dave!

As part of our preservationefforts at the Blount Mansion, we worked with archaeologistsfrom Cultural Resource Analysts of Knoxville to protectany potential archaeologicalfindings from destruction. Thearchaeologists, Paul Avery andDaniel Marcel, discovered somefascinating artifacts in utilitytrenches near the historic office behind the mansion. Storycontinues on page 2...

With winter setting in across Tennessee, we are still active and engaged in anexciting historic preservation project. Because the Blount Mansion is Knox- ville’s only National Historic Landmark, the Blount Mansion Association takesthe responsibility of preserving this 221 year old site very seriously.

In September of 2013, extensive historic restoration and preservation began tostabilize the structures on site. Funding for this project was provided by a se-ries of grants from Save America’s Treasures, State of Tennessee, TennesseeHistorical Commission, local foundations, and capital campaign donors.

The $1.8 million historic preservationproject includes new mechanical andelectrical equipment throughout, newroofs on all buildings, heating and airsystems, repair of historic windows anddoors, fire suppression systems, andnew security systems. Much of this work has been completed thanks to the work of our general contractor, Knox- ville’s Johnson & Galyon, and our archi-tectural firm, Joseph K. Oppermann of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Throughout the project we have hadmany unexpected costs including asbes-tos removal, lead-based paint testing,

archaeological survey and reports. Re-cently, our architectural firm discoveredan unforeseen preservation issue in thefoundation and walls of the Blount Man-sion that threatens the structural integ-rity of the historic structure. The unan-ticipated expenses include consultantfees for historic timber specialists andstructural engineers, and the total cost ofthis additional work will be over$100,000. The BMA feels that as a proper steward of the buildings, it is re-sponsible for accurately and efficiently correcting the problems to insure theintegrity and existence of the site for future generations.

The unexpected structural problems in the Blount Mansion will delay ourgrand re-opening of the house, a nd thus curtailed admissions and Museum Shoprevenue. Please consider a year-end gift to help allay the unexpected expenses ofrestoring this important site. Contributions may be sent to BMA, PO Box 1703,Knoxville, TN 37902

“The mission of the Blount Mansion Association is to heighten the public’s knowledge, appreciation,and understanding of William Blount and the Blount Mansion by preserving the site and providing

quality educational and cultural experiences.”

Work in the basement of the Blount Mansion exposed unforeseen foundation stabilization issues

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Blount Mansion Association | The Landmark | Winter 2013

@BlountMansion

Blogspot.com/blountmansion

/blountmansion

Follow us on social media :Contact InformationExecutive Director, Katie Stringer

Director@blountmansion.orgPO Box 1703 Knoxville, TN 37901

(865) 525-2375 www.blountmansion.org

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Archaeology at Blount Mansion, continued

History Minute: Who Was William Blount? 26, 1749,

, . 1771, . ,

, 1778 .

. 1780,

, 1782. 1787,

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1790, . ,

. 1790 .

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The archaeologists discovered artifact deposits from either a kitchen or other out-building near the historic office. They also uncovered a brick walkway near the

kitchen. The artifacts date to the late 18th and early 19th century, and couldhave been used by William Blount or his family. Pottery sherds are a common,

yet detailed, find, but the child’s pewter teacup is a beautiful personal artifact.

Archaeology is a key part in our restoration and preservation. It is important forus to know what is beneath our feet, and that we were able to salvage it and shareit with the public is one of the most fulfilling parts of museum work. We hope to

create a new exhibit using these arti-facts in the future, so check back soonfor more information.

Pewter Child’s Teacup

Purple transfer pottery sherds