Groundbreaking for $3.1 Million Bunker Hill Museum Renovation
Friends and supporters gathered at thebase of the Bunker Hill Monument June 13, 2005 to mark the beginning of the project thatwill restore the 221-foot tall obelisk to its position as one of the city's mostrecognized historic landmarks on Boston's Freedom Trail. Plans include therehabilitation of a former Boston branch library into a multi-purpose museum and visitorcenter which will offer diverse audiences a unique experience of history throughexhibits and educational programs.
The project is funded in part by a $500,000 gift from the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts and marks the first significant rehabilitation of this icon of the American Revolution in decades. The donation of lighting by OSRAM SYLVANIA will conserve energy, improve public safety and enhance the appearance of the monument and the museum interior while highlighting several architectural features. The new illumination eventually will spotlight the historic landmark's visual prominence in the Boston skyline.
Pictured left to right: Martin Goetzeler, CEO of
OSRAM, Arthur Hurley, President of the Charlestown Historical Society, James Conway, President of the Bunker Hill Monument Association, Terry W.
Savage, Superintendent, Boston National Historical Park, Mary Bomar,
Northeast Regional Director, National Park Service, Jeffrey Black
Hodgdon, Grand Master, Massachusetts Grand Lodge of Freemasons, The
Honorable Michael E. Capuano, United States House of Representatives,
the Honorable Thomas M. Menino, Mayor, City of Boston.
(Photo courtesy PiCorp.)
Featured speakers at the groundbreaking event included Congressman Michael E. Capuano, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, National Park Service Regional Director Mary A. Bomar, Grand Master Jeffrey Black Hogdon and Martin Goetzeler, CEO OSRAM GmbH. The event also included remarks from representatives of the Bunker Hill Monument Association and the Charlestown Historical Society.
"Bunker Hill is an important part of our city's great history," said Mayor Menino. "This museum will help to continue to bring tourism dollars to the Charlestown community, as well as recognize that neighborhood's place in our history. You could say we are opening a new chapter on an old book."
"The restoration will provide improved accessibility to the Bunker Hill Monument and protect the site for future generations," said Terry Savage, superintendent of Boston National Historical Park. "The generous gift from the Grand Lodge of Masons and Osram Sylvania to the National Park Service demonstrates a profound understanding of the importance of historic preservation to maintain a vital and vibrant community."
Built between 1825 and 1843, Bunker Hill is the oldest major commemorative monument in the United States. The site of the June 17, 1775 battle attracts 200,000 people each year and is one of the most popular attractions on the Freedom Trail.
The Bunker Hill Monument site includes the Bunker Hill Lodge, four acres of surrounding grounds, and the adjacent Bunker Hill Museum. The Bunker Hill Museum building, a historic three-story brick structure located in Monument Square, is owned by the City of Boston and has been used by the Charlestown Historical Society to present the community's rich history.
"Here, where this nation's forefathers fought the first major battle of the American Revolution, OSRAM is honored to help preserve and illuminate history," said Martin Goetzeler, chief executive officer of OSRAM GmbH. "We hope that the spotlight on Bunker Hill will always inspire Americans to remember the rich struggle for independence and dedication to freedom begun on this very spot 230 years ago."
About Boston National Historical Park
Established in 1974, Boston National Historical Park includes eight historic sites of national significance: the Old State House, Old South Meeting House, Faneuil Hall, the Paul Revere House, Old North Church, the Charlestown Navy Yard, Bunker Hill Monument and Dorchester Heights. The sites are associated with the colonial struggle for independence and American ideals of self-determination and civil freedom. The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For further information, please refer to our Web site at www.nps.gov/bost.
About Osram Sylvania
Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American lighting operation of OSRAM GmBH. Together we are the second-largest lighting and materials enterprise in the world, serving customers in more than 140 countries. We manufacture and market a wide range of lighting products including automotive, electronic and magnetic ballasts, and precision materials and components for industrial and commercial users, original equipment manufacturers and consumers, sold primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name, but also under the OSRAM brand. OSRAM SYLVANIA also offers lighting systems installation and maintenance services. For further information, please refer to our Web site at www.sylvania.com.
About City of Boston Department of Neighborhood Development
The mission of the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) is to make Boston the most livable city in the nation by working with communities to build strong neighborhoods through the strategic investment of public resources. DND provides services and programs in five key areas: Business Development, Homebuying Services, Homeowner Services, Neighborhood Housing Development, and Real Estate Management & Sales. For further information, please refer to our Web site at www.cityofboston.gov.
Continue reading earlier articles on museum plans.