WE THE PEOPLE
“ To everyone ’ s surprise , this shingle held a very important secret — the Temple roof was originally painted red !”
— Jenn Glass
Notes on the Process
The preservation of the Temple is a complicated project , involving paint analysis , architectural discovery , restoration carpentry and masonry , and many other moving parts . That ’ s where Jennifer Glass comes in ; she ’ s able to see the project as a whole as well as pay attention to the details that help us better understand and interpret James Madison ’ s Montpelier . As director of architecture and historic preservation , Jenn is responsible for the care and maintenance of Montpelier ’ s historic structures , in addition to leading significant historic reconstruction projects like the one currently underway in the South Yard .
The shingles were removed at the beginning of September , allowing architectural historians a chance to investigate the roof framing for the first time in decades . The dome and roof framing are almost completely original , and in much better condition than expected .
One original Madison-era shingle was discovered among the debris confirming our conclusions that the roof was originally clad in wood . To everyone ’ s surprise , this shingle held a very important secret — the Temple roof was originally painted red !
Jenn Glass , Director of Architecture and Historic Preservation
Analysis of the surviving shingle by Susan Buck , a world-renowned authority on paint conservation , determined that the red paint was oil-based and not tar-based , as would have been more typical . Because preservation is our No . 1 priority , we are designing a minimally invasive framing system to which we can attach the new wooden shingles . This new system will also incorporate a low-profile ventilation system that will allow the building to breathe , further ensuring the longevity of the Temple .
— Jenn Glass , Director of Architecture and Historic Preservation
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