A key component of the historic Korner’s Folly grounds is set for restoration, and the community is invited to a party to help make it happen.
During a special event at the adjacent visitor’s center, Korner’s Folly executive director Susanna Malliett announced the “Party for the Pergola” fundraising effort aimed at repairing and preserving the aging pergola structure located on the museum’s lawn.
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“As a result of recent conversations with engineers and professionals in historic preservation and restoration, we have determined that it is time to restore the pergola,” she said.
The campaign’s goal is $20,000, which Malliett acknowledged “seems like a lot” but emphasized is necessary to ensure the work is done properly.
“Good quality work costs money,” she added. “And old things are very fragile.”
Noting that the project will prioritize retaining “as much of the historic fabric as possible,” Malliett went into a bit of the structure’s rich local history.
Originally built as a playhouse for the Kerner children, it was later incorporated into a gateway leading to the family’s carriage house and stables. After those structures were lost decades ago, the pergola was relocated to its current position.
As Malliett put it, the structure “has seen quite a lot over the years.”
Along with restoring the pergola, the project will include improvements to footpaths and overall circulation in an effort to enhance visitors’ experience and safety.
The fundraising effort is already underway. More than $1,000 has been raised to date thanks to an initial gift from the Kernersville Historic Preservation Society, which has also pledged a matching contribution of up to $2,000.
To support the campaign, Korner’s Folly will host its “Party for the Pergola” on June 4, planning live music, tea-party-style food, a bar, and a silent auction.
Malliett said the museum is excited to “retain something that has a very interesting character and story.”
Community members can contribute to the campaign online via this link whether or not they attend the event, with organizers aiming to reach their goal by the end of May, which is also Historic Preservation Month.
Click here for more information about the event.
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