Historic Preservation at Great Camp Sagamore
“Over the years, countless individuals have come together to protect and preserve Sagamore. These include people who, like you, understand the importance of saving our nation’s historic places and believe in the power of community spaces and lifelong learning. As we celebrate fifty years of Saving Sagamore to Share Sagamore, we ask for your support in this important preservation campaign. Please consider making your investment in the future of this special place.”
— Jane Nicholson, Interim Executive Director, Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks
2026 Historic Preservation Projects
Thousands of people each year have profound experiences at Sagamore while living and learning in a cultural artifact deep in the wilderness. Our preservation work in 2026 focuses on buildings that are critical to visitors’ experiences and that preserve Sagamore’s exceptional architecture.
Dining Hall (1897, 1902, 1923)
Electrical Rewiring of Second Floor
Funds Needed: $15,000
SCOPE: This phase of the project focuses on electrical upgrades to the second floor of the Dining Hall. Contractors will replace outdated electrical wiring from the 1930s with safe, reliable, and energy-efficient systems. The work includes upgrading aging outlets and adding new ones where needed to better support current use. A new panelboard has already been installed to support these improvements. Once complete, this project will finalize the full electrical rewiring of the Dining Hall, ensuring a safer and more functional space for all who gather here.
Chimney & Foundation Stabilization
Funds Needed: $100,000
SCOPE: This project will restore the Dining Hall’s historic fireplace and chimney, preserving both its character and structural integrity. Contractors will carefully dismantle the existing stone chimney—approximately 14 feet in height—due to signs of deterioration and instability, and rebuild it using the original stones to maintain its authentic appearance.
As part of this work, repairs will also address areas affected by past weather exposure, including rebuilding sections of the roof near the chimney and replacing portions of exterior wood siding beneath the eaves. Importantly, the interior of the Dining Hall remains in good condition, with no visible water damage.
Main Lodge (1897)
Roof Replacement
Funds Needed: $40,000
SCOPE: This project will renew and protect the Main Lodge by replacing its aging roof. Contractors will remove the existing roofing and repair underlying wood as needed to ensure a sound base roof sheathing. The new roof will incorporate protective features, including proper ventilation, ice and water barriers, and high-quality architectural shingles to enhance durability and performance. As part of this restoration, the roof will also be returned to its original green color, honoring the Main Lodge’s historic appearance and William West Durant’s vision.
Chimney Repair - Assess & Repoint as Needed
Funds Needed: $15,000
SCOPE: Contractors will repoint and repair the chimneys at the roof level that have begun to deteriorate.
Drainage Improvements, Foundation Stabilization, Jack/Raise the Fireplace, Replace Water Service Line
Funds Needed: $315,000
Playhouse (1902)
SCOPE: This project will strengthen and protect the Playhouse by addressing long-standing drainage challenges and their impact on the building’s foundation. Contractors will improve site drainage, replace two compromised foundation walls, and repair and reinforce the fireplace foundation, which has settled over time. The fireplace footing reinforcement will prevent any future movement As part of these upgrades, the original water service line will also be replaced to improve reliability. In tandem with this work, landscape architects will prepare a cultural landscape report to guide excavation and ensure that surrounding historic features are thoughtfully preserved.
Pumphouse (1914)
Structural Repair & Rebuild
Funds Needed: $120,000
SCOPE: Nestled among the evergreens and between Alfred’s and Gloria’s cabins, the Pumphouse location is ideal for future use. This project will revitalize the building by addressing critical deterioration and structural needs and preparing it for future use. Contractors will carefully lift the structure to complete essential foundation repairs and install a new, durable concrete slab floor. Once the work is complete, the building will be safely set back into place on its strengthened foundation. Additional architectural improvements will restore and stabilize the aging structure, ensuring it remains a functional and welcoming space. These upgrades will open the door to a variety of potential uses.
Alfred’s Cottage (1937)
Rewire Interior of Cottage
Funds Needed: $18,000
SCOPE: This project will modernize Alfred’s Cottage by upgrading its electrical system to meet today’s safety and performance standards. Contractors will replace original 1930s-era wiring with new, reliable electrical infrastructure throughout the building. The work also includes updating aging outlets and adding new ones where needed to better support current use. A new panelboard has already been installed to support these improvements. Once complete, this phase will finalize the full electrical rewiring of the Cottage, ensuring a safer and more functional space for years to come.
Foundation Stabilization
Funds Needed: $125,000
SCOPE: This project will stabilize and protect the cottage by addressing foundation issues caused by poor drainage. Contractors will carefully lift the building to return it to its proper position, reinforce and stabilize the foundation, and reposition or replace compromised support piers. These improvements will ensure the Cottage remains safe, secure, and well-supported.
Drainage Improvement Project
Funds Needed: $10,000
SCOPE: This project will protect the Cottage by addressing stormwater drainage issues that have impacted its foundation. Improvements will be made to direct water safely away from the building, helping to preserve its structural integrity. In tandem with this work, a cultural landscape report will guide any excavation around the cottage, ensuring that surrounding historic features are carefully considered and preserved.
Gloria’s Cottage (1939)
Rewire Interior of Cottage
Funds Needed: $18,000
SCOPE: This project will update the Cottage’s electrical system to ensure safety, reliability, and functionality for modern use. Contractors will replace original 1930s-era wiring with new, up-to-date electrical infrastructure throughout the building. The work also includes upgrading aging outlets and adding new ones where needed to better support daily use.
A new panelboard has already been installed to support these improvements. Once complete, this work will finalize the Cottage’s full electrical rewiring, providing a safer and more dependable environment.
Foundation Stabilization
Funds Needed: $125,000
SCOPE: The block foundation piers have been compromised due to poor drainage. Repair will include jacking/raising the building to its proper position, stabilizing the foundation, and repositioning or replacing the foundation piers.
Drainage Improvement Project
Funds Needed: $10,000
SCOPE: Poor drainage of storm water has caused the foundation to become compromised. Drainage improvements will be completed to move water away from the foundation. A cultural landscape report will be completed for areas around the cottage that will be excavated for drainage work.
George’s Cottage (1897)
Rewire Interior of Cottage
Funds Needed: $25,000
SCOPE: This project will upgrade George’s Left and Right electrical systems to improve safety, reliability, and long-term performance. Contractors will replace original 1930s-era cloth-insulated wiring serving lighting and receptacles with new, modern electrical infrastructure. The work will also include updating aging outlets and adding new receptacles where needed to better support current and future use.
A dedicated panelboard will be installed within George’s to properly serve the upgraded electrical system. Currently, the cottage is supplied by multiple branch circuits originating from the Collins Building; this project will reconfigure and consolidate service to create a more efficient and dependable electrical setup.
Collins Building (1914)
Drainage Repair
Funds Needed: $15,000
SCOPE: This project will assess and improve the roof drainage system to better protect the building from water intrusion. A study will be conducted to evaluate the current conditions, as many roof downspouts currently discharge directly at grade, contributing to water seepage into the basement. Based on the findings, mitigation measures will be developed and implemented to safely redirect stormwater away from the building. These improvements will help reduce moisture-related risks and enhance the long-term preservation of the building.
Rebuild Porches
Funds Needed: $40,000
SCOPE: This project will restore and complete the Collins porches by addressing both structural and architectural elements. Contractors will replace the front (lakeside) and side (icehouse) stairs with period-appropriate half-log treads and rustic railings to reflect the historic character of the building. In addition, localized repairs will be made to porch decking and supporting joists as needed, also the foundation and piers will be realigned to ensure stability and proper support. Once complete, this work will finalize the full restoration of the Collins porches.
Schoolhouse (1902, relocated in 1914)
Roof Replacement & Repairs
Funds Needed: $30,000
SCOPE: This project will improve the durability and water management performance of the building through a series of coordinated exterior upgrades. Contractors will replace the existing standing seam metal roof, including the new shed addition, to provide long-lasting protection from the elements.
New gutters will be installed to efficiently capture and direct rainwater into the site’s stormwater collection system. In addition, drainage improvements will be completed to further manage runoff and reduce the risk of water-related damage, ensuring better long-term protection of the building.
Chalet (1915 Men’s Camp)
Roof Painting & Upper Chimney Repairs
Funds Needed: $35,000
SCOPE: This project will preserve and protect the structure through targeted roof and chimney maintenance. Contractors will inspect the standing seam metal roof and stone chimneys to assess current conditions and identify areas in need of attention. The roof will be scraped and repainted to restore its protective finish and extend its service life. In addition, the upper chimneys will be repaired as needed, including repointing and masonry restoration where deterioration is present. These improvements will help with long-term building integrity and weather resistance of the building.
Blacksmith Shop (1897)
Roof Replacement
Funds Needed: $15,000
SCOPE: This project will preserve and protect the historic Blacksmith Shop through essential exterior and water management improvements. Contractors will replace the existing standing seam metal roof, providing durable, long-term protection while respecting the building’s historic character.
A Word from Ted Riehle, Sagamore’s Sr. Director of Facilities and Head Caretaker
Built deep in the Adirondack mountains 127 years ago by visionary great camps designer William West Durant, Great Camp Sagamore is America’s most significant, intact, and publicly accessible Gilded Age Great Camp.
As a nonprofit organization, Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks relies on donations from our community to keep this 27-building National Historic Landmark preserved, maintained, and open to the public.
Your past contributions have been instrumental in completing restoration projects that make Camp a vital cultural resource. Thank you.
To Contribute Directly from your Donor Advised Fund or Stock Holdings
EIN Number: 23-7401872
Firm Name: NFS LLC
DTCC: 0226
Account Name: Sagamore Institute, Inc
Account Number: k4k-130626