Introduction | The Team | The Process | Key Findings | The Opportunites
Site History
This site history was prepared as part of the Master Plan for Blithewold to document the physical evolution of the site, to identify character-defining features and to provide a platform for discussion of the significance of the site and its components. Communication of the site’s significance, in turn, will form the foundation for preservation and redevelopment recommendations in the Master Plan. Read more...
Gardner House, view from the north, Main entrance to the Gardner property
The Statement of Cultural Significance
Blithewold, is nationally significant in American history as one of the most fully developed, best-documented and intact examples of the Country Place era in the United States, and for its high artistic value in representing the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement on domestic design in this country. Read more...
Tennis & Boating at Blithewold
The Vision for Blithewold in the Future
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum is widely recognized as a thoughtfully conserved and authentic historic site of consequence; a cultural landscape of historical importance and contemporary relevance; and a place of tranquility, beauty, and repose.
Blithewold respects founding family member Bessie Van Wickle’s vision of creating “an estate in which new beauties are constantly revealed and the perfect accord between Architecture and Grounds is ever apparent.”
More Key Findings will be posted each month.
- Coming Soon- Possible Projects Part 1
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Wednesday, May 15
- Wednesday, June 19
Introduction to Watercolor -
Thursday, May 23
Tree Mob at the Arnold Arboretum -
Saturday, May 25
Behind the Scenes Tour
Upcoming events
Follow Blithewold
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Marjorie’s dove tree turns 40
(May 16, '13)
It’s a lucky visitor whose gaze turns east along the path between the mansion and the Enclosed Garden, instead of west across the blooming North Garden and Great Lawn to Narragansett Bay. The western view is a compelling one to be sure and even I am caught up short by it every time I walk ... -
The Costume Collection
(Jan 07, '13)
Many of you already know about the fabulous collection of gowns and accessories belonging to Bessie Van Wickle McKee that came home to Blithewold last year. Forty-one dresses with accessories, coats, and hats, had been given to the Colonial Dames … Continue reading
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