BRANDYWINE CONSERVANCY COMPLETES MAJOR
PROJECT EXPANDING BUILDINGS AND PROGRAMS
(April 2004; #010)

After 2+ years of extensive fundraising and intensive construction activity, the Brandywine Conservancy has nearly completed its ambitious Building for a New Century project. Highlights of the project include two entirely new buildings, two renovated office buildings, two new museum galleries, a new classroom, and a dramatic new wing for the Brandywine River Museum.

"Our expanded and improved facilities allow us to care for our collections and accommodate increased demand for our public services and for education," said George A. Weymouth, Chairman of the Conservancy's Board of Trustees. "My hat goes off to the architectural firm of GWWO and chief design architect James R. Grieves for creating buildings that blend perfectly with existing structures and alleviate crowded conditions."

"The construction process was extremely complex, and the expertise of Bancroft Construction Company was very important to our success," said James H. Duff, Executive Director of the Conservancy. "But it is the wonderful generosity of our members, patrons, foundations and other supporters that made possible these extraordinary facilities and the important programs they support."

In addition to the construction and renovation of five buildings, the $25 million that was sought- and raised- provides funds for restoring and endowing the historic Kuerner Farm. Beginning April 28, the museum will offer educational tours of the farm which, for more than 70 years, has been a major source of inspiration to Andrew Wyeth. Guided tours of the farm will help visitors to understand Andrew Wyethís creative process and view areas of the property depicted in many of his works.

This spring, with the completion of the Building for a New Century project, the Brandywine River Museum will celebrate the opening of its two new galleries and the growth of its renowned collections. A spectacular exhibition, Our Brandywine Heritage: A Celebration, will fill five of its six galleries and will feature over 300 works of art by Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth, James Wyeth, Winslow Homer, William Trost Richards, Horace Pippin and others.

Beginning April 28, visitors will also have the opportunity to see an exhibition titled The Kuerner Farm in one of the new galleries. This coincides with the opening of public tours of the Kuerner Farm and tells the fascinating story of the historic farm, its residents, and its inspiration to Andrew Wyeth who has painted them throughout his life.

Now in its 37th year of service, the Brandywine Conservancy is nationally and internationally recognized for its innovative programs that preserve vital environmental and cultural resources. The dramatic success of the Conservancy's two programs- the Environmental Management Center and the Brandywine River Museum- has brought rapid growth in public services, museum collections, staff and physical assets.

The Environmental Management Center began with fewer than 100 acres in 1967. Today, the Conservancy owns more than 2,200 acres and 24 buildings. In addition, the Environmental Management Center has been instrumental in permanently protecting more than 38,000 acres of farmland and open space through conservation easements on over 400 properties.

From 20 works of art in 1971, the Brandywine River Museum's American art collections have grown tremendously due to the generosity of many donors. The collections now include over 3,000 works of art; an important library of books, manuscripts and artists' memorabilia; and over 9,000 additional artifacts at the N.C. Wyeth Studio. More than 4.5 million people from every state and 80 foreign countries have visited the museum over the past 30 years. In recent years, the Conservancy has acquired N.C. Wyeth's house and studio and the famous Kuerner farm, two historic properties of great public value.

Meanwhile, the Conservancy staff has grown from two employees in its first year to more than 110 today, supplemented by more than 250 active volunteers.

In 1999, the Conservancy's Board of Trustees commissioned James R. Grieves, the much-praised architect of the Brandywine River Museum and other previous Conservancy renovation projects, to conduct an analysis of space needs. Based on his findings, Grieves developed designs to both expand and renovate existing facilities. His exciting and practical solutions were adopted by the Board of Trustees as the basis for the recent building program.

To satisfy these critical needs and provide a stronger financial base, the Board of Trustees initiated the Building for a New Century campaign in 2001. Faithful members, patrons, and foundations accomplished the campaign goal through an extraordinary response. These contributions will secure the Conservancyís future growth and ensure effective, vital public services for generations to come.

The Brandywine Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that preserves art and the environment in the Brandywine Valley and surrounding regions. The Conservancy's Brandywine River Museum has introduced millions of visitors to the area's rich artistic heritage, and the Conservancy's Environmental Management Center is a leading local and national advocate for responsible land use. For more information about the Brandywine Conservancy, call 610-388-2700 or visit the Conservancy's web sites at www.brandywineconservancy.org and www.brandywinemuseum.org.

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