Körner’s Folly Launches Pergola Restoration Campaign with June Garden Party Fundraiser
KERNERSVILLE, NC — Körner’s Folly Foundation has officially launched restoration efforts for the historic Pergola located on the north-rear side of the property, accompanied by a new public fundraising campaign and a celebratory summer event, Party for the Pergola, taking place Thursday, June 4, from 5–8 pm.
Originally constructed as part of the Körner family’s children’s playhouse before later serving as an entrance feature to the estate’s stable complex, the pergola remains one of the most distinctive surviving landscape structures on the property. Though modest in scale, the structure reflects Jule Gilmer Körner’s characteristic improvisational design sensibility — adapting, reusing, and reshaping architectural forms over time.
The project will address long-term stabilization and preservation concerns while retaining the pergola’s historic character and relationship to the surrounding grounds. Architectural features include a barrel-vaulted form, decorative fish-scale shingles, projecting knee braces, and a deeply picturesque silhouette.
“Körner’s Folly has always been a place where architecture, landscape, and imagination overlap,” said Suzanna Ritz Malliett, Executive Director of Körner’s Folly Foundation. “This structure tells a layered story about adaptation, resourcefulness, and everyday life on the property. Restoring the pergola allows us to preserve not only a historic feature, but the atmosphere and continuity of the landscape itself.”
The public fundraising goal for the project is $20,000. Early support has already been provided by the Kernersville Historic Preservation Society through a $1,000 leadership gift and an additional $2,000 matching challenge.
To celebrate the launch of the campaign, Körner’s Folly Foundation will host Party for the Pergola, an evening garden fundraiser featuring live music, botanical cocktails and non-alcoholic refreshments, a tea-party-inspired menu by Short Street Bakehouse & Café, creative hats and garden attire, and a silent auction featuring items for gardeners, artists, and curious collectors.
The event will take place on the lawn surrounding the pergola itself, allowing guests to gather directly alongside the structure they are helping preserve.
Early Entry tickets are $100 and include advance access to the grounds beginning at 5 pm. General Admission tickets are $65 with entry beginning at 6 pm. Due to ABC permitting requirements, the event is limited to guests ages 21 and older.
Tickets and donations may be made online at the link below:
The pergola restoration campaign is part of Körner’s Folly Foundation’s ongoing preservation work stewarding the 146-year-old house museum and its surrounding historic landscape.
About Körner’s Folly
Built in 1880 by artist and designer Jule Gilmer Körner, Körner’s Folly is a 22-room Victorian house museum located in Kernersville, North Carolina. Known for its theatrical architecture, hand-painted interiors, and richly layered design, the site welcomes visitors from across the country for tours, exhibitions, concerts, educational programs, and community events.
For more information, visit:
Media Contact
Suzanna Ritz Malliett
Executive Director, Körner’s Folly Foundation
suzanna@kornersfolly.org
(336) 996-7922
