Interpretation & Signage

Lyndhurst
Tarrytown, New York

Lyndhurst comprises nearly 70 acres, extending 1,200 feet along the Hudson River eastern shore. Heritage Landscapes developed a detailed historic landscape report in two phases to address this important designed landscape for the National Trust. The HLR Part I documented the history, historic periods, context, and existing conditions-and to provide an interpretive brochure for immediate use. Detailed historic research reviewed all historic written and graphic documentation. Originally part of the Requa farm, Architect Alexander Jackson Davis designed a house overlooking the river for William Paulding who purchased the property in 1836. George Merritt became the owner in 1864 and engaged Ferdinand Mangold, a German master gardener. Owners Jay Gould and daughter Helen Gould and retained Mangold until his death in 1905. For about 100 years Mangold, Merritt and the Goulds shaped the landscape until Anna Gould, gave it to the National Trust in 1964.

The HLR Part I highlighted landscape evolution detailing each owner with a period plans, period design descriptions and historic narrative. Extant historic fabric was identified as physical elements of the topography, vegetation, paths, drives, structures and furnishings were recorded. An important aspect was the curatorial accessioning of the living tree collection of some 500 trees on detailed maps using the herbarium recording system. An 11 x 17 foldout interpretive brochure was designed to engage visitors in the landscape. The illustrations, wayfinding map and text encourage exploration by showing ten historic views of the landscape for visitors to compare with current conditions and providing a summary history of each owner from the 1836 to 1964. The HLR Part II analyzed landscape character and integrity, and with a series of plans illustrated extant, partially extant, and lost historic landscape features. Based on significance, integrity, management and interpretation, treatment recommendations address preservation and partial restoration to bolster landscape authenticity. Phasing of projects was based on available funding, staffing and property mission and many aspects of the recommended work have been completed. The planning project garnered Honor Awards from the CT Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Connecticut Public Space Awards.

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