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.”
— Emily Martz, Executive Director, Sagamore Institute of the Adirondacks
2025 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 2025 focuses on buildings that are critical to visitors’ experiences and that save Sagamore’s exceptional architecture.
With the generous support from New York State, as well as donor contributions to date totaling $422,587, we are now $136,490 from reaching our MAY 31 GOAL OF $559,077. Learn about efforts and funds needed to preserve these buildings below! Keep scrolling to hear directly from Sagamore's Sr. Director of Facilities about preservation at Sagamore.
Roofing: Dining Hall (1897,1902, 1923) Icehouse (c.1897), and original Laundry (c.1897) Complex
Funds Needed: $136,814
SCOPE: Contractors will replace the roofs of the complex consisting of the Dining Hall, Icehouse, and original Laundry facility. This work includes removing the entire existing roof, which in some cases is a double layer, and replacing plywood and framing where needed. Contractors will install vents, ice and water barriers, along with starter shingles and architectural shingles. We will return the roof to its original color under William West Durant’s ownership: green.
Dining Hall Chimney & Foundation Wall (1902)
Funds Needed: $49,824
SCOPE: The Dining Hall’s fireplace and chimney rebuild consists of the removal and rebuild of the stone chimney and cap, approximately 14 feet high down to a little below roof level. The chimney needs to be removed because past repointing that had been done in an attempt to repair the chimney shows further signs of deterioration, and the existing chimney is out of plumb significantly (3 inches). Contractors will use the original stones for the rebuild. Because of failure of flashing at the roof level, the surrounding roof sheathing on the eves has deteriorated and needs to be rebuilt as part of the project. There is also some spruce slab siding that needs to be replaced directly under the eaves. There is no visible interior water damage in the Dining Hall.
Main Lodge (1897): Paint Windows & Trim & Ironwork Restoration
Funds Needed: $33,672
SCOPE: The major restoration of Main Lodge’s porch finished in 2024. To continue the preservation of this iconic building, contractors will scrape and repaint the sixty-nine windows and trim. Facilities staff will repaint the lake side door, and Sagamore’s Blacksmith will repair the door’s latch and refabricate its slide bolts. The Blacksmith will also restore the original fireplace screen, rescreening it and fabricating missing handles.
Roofing: Boathouse (1897); Boat Shop (c.1912); and Pole Barn (1895)
Funds Needed: $23,165
SCOPE: The metal Boat Shop and Pole Barn roofs are in good condition, and contractors restored the Boathouse cedar shingle roof in 2024. To preserve these roofs, contractors will repaint the Boat Shop and Pole Barn, and give the Boathouse a clear protective coat to be readministered every three to four years.
Playhouse (c.1902)
Funds Needed: $315,602
SCOPE: Contractors will complete the following work: drainage improvements; replacement of two foundation walls that have been compromised due to poor drainage; repair the fireplace foundation which has sunk due to poor drainage; jack the fireplace and realign the building; and replace the original water service line. Landscape architects will complete a cultural landscape report for areas around the Playhouse that will be excavated for drainage work.
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