sweet auburn | 2024 volume i were also designed by Voelckers . The national symbolism of the Scots ’ Charitable Society Lot Fence make it truly exceptional as a part of the Cemetery ’ s collection and a distinct priority for restoration .
After so many years of outdoor exposure , the Scots ’ Charitable Society Lot Fence needs substantial preservation to avoid significant damage to the brittle historic cast-iron . With funds from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and individual donors , Mount Auburn engaged Foster Architecture in 2022 to complete an assessment of the fence . The assessment revealed the extent of the restoration needed for the iron fence itself , to be done off-site , and for its granite bases .
The granite bases on which the fence sits have crumbled , and previous attempts at repair by encasing the bases in concrete have only hastened their deterioration . The loss of structural support for the cast-iron posts provided by the granite bases has resulted in breakage within the intricate posts themselves , and any additional loss will threaten the fence ’ s stability . Past settling of the granite bases has put one corner post out of alignment , adding stress to the already fragile iron . There are also losses on the pediment of the main entrance gate that impact the visual integrity of the fence . Without restoration , the iron columns attached to the broken granite bases are in danger of shifting and breaking further , leading to complete structural failure .
Mount Auburn has engaged qualified contractors to fulfill the upcoming iron and masonry restoration work while respecting the final resting place of the over 200 individuals interred within the lot . In order to replace the bases , the fence will need to be dismantled and removed to a cast-iron restoration shop . Lead paint will be stripped from the entire fence , and it will be repainted prior to being reassembled on site .
Thanks are due to the generosity of our donors , including Helen Sayles , chair of the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA , whose challenge grant of $ 25,000 was matched earlier this year . While we anticipate receiving further grant and foundation funding for this project , we encourage you to make a gift : every donation helps us get closer to starting this honorable work . To learn more or to support this critical work , please visit the Special Projects page on our website , mountauburn . org / special-projects /, or contact Beth Brown , Vice President of Institutional Advancement , at bbrown @ mountauburn . org with your giving intent or any questions .
Mount Auburn is honored to take on this meaningful project to restore the glory of a oneof-a-kind fence dedicated to this early Scottish population . While our fantastic preservation team tackles numerous projects to maintain the memorials around the Cemetery , this restoration effort is particularly significant and challenging , requiring specialized contractors . Your support indicates your dedication to keeping alive the story of these often-overlooked working-class immigrants and the charitable society that came to their aid .
Clockwise from top left : One of two gates depicting the patron saint of Scotland , Saint Andrew , Interior of the Scots ’ Lot where over 200 individuals are interred , Scots ’ Charitable Society Kilt Walk in April 2017 , Detail of damaged granite base , Foster Architecture assessing the Fence in 2022 , Meg Winslow , Curator of Historic Collections & Archives , gesturing to the rampant lion on the fence ’ s corner post greater Service
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