Скачать или смотреть Grundy Museum: Preserving Victorian Grandeur on the Banks of the Delaware

Perched on the banks of the Delaware River in Bristol, Pennsylvania, the Grundy Museum stands as a testament to the Gilded Age. Originally purchased by the Grundy family in 1884, this Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion is more than just a building; it is a time capsule of American industry and domestic life.

When it came time to restore the home’s expansive, multi-story porches—a defining feature of the riverfront façade—the museum leadership faced a critical challenge: finding a material that could withstand the harsh riverfront elements without sacrificing the property's strict historical integrity.


The Challenge: Durability vs. Authenticity
For a museum dedicated to historical accuracy, modern composite decking was never an option. The plastic sheen and artificial grain of synthetic materials would have clashed with the authentic Victorian architecture. However, traditional untreated wood often struggles to survive the humid, variable climate of the Delaware Valley, especially right on the water’s edge.

The museum needed a solution that was 100% real wood but engineered for the future.


The Solution: Americana™ Thermally Modified Hardwood
The Grundy Museum selected Americana™ Thermally Modified Hardwood for the restoration of their iconic porches.

Americana™ wood undergoes a chemical-free thermal modification process using only heat and steam. This process cooks the sugars out of the wood, effectively removing the food source for rot and insects while making the boards exceptionally dimensionally stable. The result is a natural hardwood product that resists warping, cupping, and decay, even in demanding outdoor applications.

For the Grundy Museum, this meant they could install a natural wood porch floor that looked and felt appropriate for 1884, but with the performance profile of 2025.


Why Americana?
According to John Whitenight, Director of the Grundy Museum, the decision was driven by a respect for history.

"We chose Americana because of how they treated and revered historical properties. Whether you own a Victorian house or a vintage house and you are concerned about preserving its integrity, a product like Americana would be very, very advisable." — John Whitenight, Museum Director


The Result
The installed Americana™ porch flooring provides a seamless, era-appropriate aesthetic. As seen in the project video, the flooring features a classic solid finish—a staple of Victorian porch design. The project team applied Benjamin Moore Woodluxe® Water-Based Solid Stain, which bonds exceptionally well to thermally modified wood due to its low moisture content.

From the herringbone detailing to the sweeping run of the veranda, the flooring provides a sturdy, authentic foundation for the museum’s black rocking chairs and visiting guests. It preserves the soul of the Grundy home while ensuring it remains a landmark for generations to come.


Highlights
Historical Accuracy: Real hardwood that maintains the architectural integrity of the Victorian era.

Superior Durability: Thermally modified to resist rot and moisture, essential for the riverfront location.

Sustainable Stewardship: Harvested from Pennsylvania forests, aligning with the Grundy family’s local industrial legacy.