Archive for the ‘Press Releases’ Category

Foundation Signs Architect for New Visitors Center at Körner’s Folly

The Körner’s Folly Foundation is excited to announce that Michael West, of West & Stem Architects (Winston-Salem, NC) has signed on as the principal architect for the Foundation’s new Visitors Center at Körner’s Folly. Hiring an architect represents a critical step in the Foundation’s Capital Campaign, which has just reached a new milestone of 85% of funds raised towards the total campaign goal.

Thanks to the generous support of private donors, grant foundations, and corporate organizations, the Foundation hopes to be able to break ground on the Visitor Center in the fall of 2021.  Prior to groundbreaking, the important work of designing the building must begin soon. This work, headed by Michael West and the firm’s civil engineer, begins with a survey of the site’s boundary, topographic features, and utility access. Next, West will create detailed floor plans based on the structural layout and mechanical systems. The site of the future Visitors Center, which lies along Main Street to the north-east of Körner’s Folly, will be under construction for approximately eight months, and is scheduled to open to the public in fall of 2022.

West & Stem Architects was chosen for this project because of their incredible portfolio as well as their responsive design approach. With a blend of historic preservation work (such as restoration of WinMock at Kinderton and Bethania Mill), civic space designs (including the Kernersville branch of the Forsyth County Public Library, Parkland High School, Wiley Middle School, and the Winston-Salem Police Department’s 1st and 3rd Districts), and homes for nonprofit organizations (Samaritan Ministries, Forsyth Humane Society, Center Grove Baptist Church), the Körner’s Folly Foundation Board of Directors believe that West & Stem will be able to deliver a design for the Visitors Center that is visionary and flexible, suited for a variety of gatherings and programs, and echoes the unique architecture of Jule Körner’s whimsical, Victorian-era structure.

The design for the Visitors Center will incorporate several much-needed upgrades for Körner’s Folly, which has seen record-breaking attendance for several years. The plan will include a critical expansion of parking and restroom facilities, flexible community space, a media room, conference room, exhibition space for fragile objects from the organization’s collection, and a research library. Handicap access will be an integral part of the design, allowing the Körner’s Folly Foundation to increase access to the historic house, which was constructed in 1880.

In addition, the Visitors Center at Körner’s Folly will serve as a gateway to historic downtown Kernersville, providing a wide variety of information for tourists to discover options for dining, shopping, lodging, and enjoying all the cultural amenities the town has to offer.

“We are thrilled to be able to move forward with this step of hiring the right architect for this project,” said Dale Pennington, Executive Director of the Körner’s Folly Foundation. “We look forward to working with West & Stem to create a design that addresses the needs of our organization and community, and creates a beautiful new cornerstone for the town of Kernersville.”

The funds raised through the Capital Campaign for Körner’s Folly will be used to complete construction of the new Visitors Center, as well as to finish critical restoration of the remaining rooms of the historic house, and to establish a sustainability fund to cover long-term costs of building maintenance and educational programs.

“Special recognition goes to the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Kernersville for helping to make this project a reality,” says Executive Director Dale Pennington. “With the commitment of $750,000 from the Town, we have been able to get major donors on board and excited about this opportunity to build for a greater Kernersville. We believe that the new Visitor Center’s impact will be extremely positive, both economically as well as culturally.”

For more information about the Capital Campaign for Körner’s Folly or the Visitors Center at Körner’s Folly, please contact info@kornersfolly.org or call (336) 996-7922.

Restoration Begins for Children’s Playrooms, Foyer, and Library

In 2021, the Körner’s Folly Foundation is turning its efforts to three major restoration projects: the Children’s Playrooms, the Foyer, and the Library. This work will include replacing the failing plaster ceilings, removing modern ductwork, repairing the floors, refinishing the original furniture, and restoring the paint and historic wallpaper color schemes.

These rooms undergoing restoration in 2021 are particularly exciting because this will be the Foundation’s first foray into historic wallpapers. Dale Pennington, Executive Director, says of the projects: “We know that Jule Körner used wallpaper in various rooms throughout Körner’s Folly.  It will be exciting to showcase the intricate styles, patterns, and color schemes that were popular in the Victorian Era. I think the vibrancy of the colors will really surprise people!”

Work began in early February and is expected to take four months. Tours will continue to take place while restoration is being completed, though parts of the house will be periodically closed.

Körner’s Folly Celebrates Black History Month

This year for Black History Month, we are sharing a new virtual exhibit, titled “Who Was Aunt Dealy?”

Many visitors to Körner’s Folly have explored “Aunt Dealy’s Cottage,” the current (though temporarily closed due to COVID) gift shop and admissions counter, orientation theatre, and office space, and have had many thoughtful questions about the structure and its historic occupant.

This exhibit aims to provide more information and context about the life of Clara Körner, also known as Aunt Dealy, and her experiences. Clara’s life, spanning the years 1820 – 1896, offers a unique opportunity to explore the impact that slavery, Reconstruction, and a fast-changing society had upon the lives of Americans during this often overlooked historical period.

Click here to visit the virtual exhibit now.

Körner’s Folly Reopening January 13th!

Dear Folly Friends – After a brief closure following the holiday season, we are pleased to announce the reopening of Körner’s Folly on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 for self-guided tours by appointment. Our top priority, in addition to sharing our beloved historical treasure, will be the well-being of our visitors and staff.  We will require face coverings, limit capacity, encourage distancing using timed entry, offer sanitizing stations, and regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces.

All tour tickets and appointment will be booked through our website.  To purchase tour tickets, please click here.

We will be open for tours Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10am-4pm.  Adults are $10, Children (ages 6-18) are $6, and Children Under 6 are free.

As we gear up for continued restoration projects in 2021, we are currently only opening tour tickets from now until the end of January.  We will update the website once we have our 2021 restoration schedule finalized, which could result in room closures. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We look forward to sharing our exciting restoration progress with you soon!

2020 Holiday Season at Körner’s Folly

Historic Kernersville landmark Körner’s Folly, a 5,600 architectural wonderland, prepares once again for a spectacular holiday season. Each winter, this remarkable 22-room structure adds a layer of adornment and excitement with ornate displays of Christmas décor.

Preparations for this magical time of the year begin in October, as staff embark upon a deep cleaning, relocate fragile collection objects, and unpack cherished ornaments. Thanks to the energy and creativity of a corps of special volunteers, the rooms of Körner’s Folly will be filled with Victorian-inspired trees, garlands, and beautiful interpretations of this year’s theme of Christmas Carols. Holiday tours will be offered starting November 27, 2020 and will run through January 2, 2021.

Körner’s Folly also looks forward to hosting the first annual Holiday Market on November 28, 2020, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, in conjunction with Small Business Saturday, to provide visitors with a one-stop shop for holiday gifts created by local makers and artisans. Following health and safety recommendations, this market will be outdoors and socially distanced.

In addition, Körner’s Folly will host special evening tours to offer visitors a truly unforgettable experience. Evening tours, known as Christmas by Candlelight, will be offered on December 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance for this event.

For a fun, day-time experience, join us for A Kernersville Yuletide, when 3 local destinations team up for a day-time holiday experience at the Kernersville Museum, Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, and Körner’s Folly, on Saturday, December 12, 2020, 10am-3pm.

This year, to help Körner’s Folly manage capacity and cleaning protocols, tours are available by appointment only, via our website www.kornersfolly.org. “We are looking forward to making this season bright for all our visitors and staff, as well as prioritizing health and safety,” says Executive Director Dale Pennington. “We encourage those who enjoy the decorations at Körner’s Folly every year as a holiday tradition, to return this season, with the reassurance that we are doing everything we can to ensure an excellent experience for everyone. We’re also very excited about this year’s theme, and anticipate the house being full of music and excitement of Victorian-era Christmas carols.”

Körner’s Folly is open for self-guided tours Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, with the last tour appointment offered at 3:00 pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://kornersfolly.org/buy-tickets. Please call (336) 996-7922 for more information. Regular updates posted on Facebook and Instagram @KornersFolly.

 

Körner’s Folly Receives NC CARES: Humanities Relief Grant Funding

 

Körner’s Folly Receives NC CARES: Humanities Relief Grant Funding

 

The Körner’s Folly Foundation has received a NC CARES: Humanities Relief Grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council. This emergency grant funding was provided to North Carolina cultural organizations experiencing hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are grateful to be one of 59 organizations the North Carolina Humanities Council selected for this funding,” said Dale Pennington, Executive Director

This important funding will support a new At-Home Program: Victorian Time Traveler. This program provides a complete supply kit and videos for Homeschool Families to step back in time and discover what life was like in the Victorian Era. Thanks to generous funding from the NC Humanities Council and private donors, we are able to offer our Victorian Time Traveler Program at free and reduced rates.

Körner’s Folly has been closed to the public since March 2020 due to the pandemic.  The historic home will reopen once NC moves to Phase 3 per the Governor’s Office Executive Orders.

NC CARES: Humanities Relief Grant funding was provided to the North Carolina Humanities Council by the National Endowment for the Humanities through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress in late March. The $2.2 trillion CARES package included $75 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities, nearly $30 million, or a total of 40%, of which was sent to the 56 state and jurisdictional humanities councils, including the North Carolina Humanities Council, to distribute to local cultural nonprofits and programming. The North Carolina Humanities Council www.nchumanities.org is a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Thanks to generous funding from the NC Humanities Council and private donors, we are able to offer our Victorian Time Traveler Program at free and reduced rates.

You can learn more about the program here: Victorian Time Traveler.

You can use the form below to apply for a scholarship for a free Victorian Time Traveler Program:

Advance Tickets are Now Closed

 

CLOSED Until Further Notice

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation.  For the safety of the community, Körner’s Folly is temporarily closed to the public until further notice per NC Executive Order 147. Events have been cancelled, postponed, or made virtual through August 15.  Körner’s Folly plans to re-open once the NC Executive Order is issued for Phase 3. We will post updates here when we have information about a re-open date.

In the meantime, connect with us on social media and check out our online educational resources, where you’ll find downloadable craft projects, historic recipes, and restoration updates.

 

A Video Message from Executive Director Dale Pennington

During this time of uncertainty and disruption, Körner’s Folly is committed to remaining connected to our community.  While our doors remain closed, work at the Folly has continued. Not only do we have a new Online Resource Catalog, with educational and entertaining content for all ages, we are undergoing significant restoration in the Master Bedroom, Breakfast Room, and North Stairway. Check out our Operation Restoration page for a closer look.

We appreciate those who have recently reached out to ask how they can help us continue to fulfill our mission during this challenging time. Donations in any amount make a huge impact in stabilizing our operations, meeting the critical needs of the property, and providing opportunities for visitors to engage virtually.

Giving is easy, quick, and will mean so much – click for secure donation link.

Stay well, and we look forward to seeing you at the Folly as soon as it is safe to do so!

Dale Pennington
Executive Director, Körner’s Folly Foundation

Körner’s Folly Responds to COVID

Historic Körner’s Folly, 413 S. Main Street, Kernersville, NC, adjusts to public closure and moves resources online, in keeping with public health guidelines during the COVID pandemic.

“During this time of uncertainty and disruption, we are committed to remaining connected to our community,” says Dale Pennington, executive director of the Körner’s Folly Foundation. “While we are saddened to close our doors, we understand that in the interest of public health, we must confront this challenge and find new solutions for fulfilling our mission.” Pennington continues: “Offering such in-depth virtual access steps outside the scope of our normal activities, and it is our hope that during this time, Körner’s Folly will remain an anchor of the Kernersville community and continue to offer high-quality content that shares knowledge, provides entertainment and enjoyment, and relieves stress.”

The new Online Resources Catalog launched Monday, March 30th, was made possible in part with a grant from the Winston-Salem Foundation. This Online Resource Catalog is provided free of charge for accessing the unique history of Körner’s Folly while the museum is closed to the public. “Fun and engaging for all ages, the catalog includes printable activities, collections spotlights, fascinating trivia, vintage recipes, and links to further reading about this amazing house and the family who made it a home,” says Operations & Programs Manager Suzanna Ritz. New content will be added to these pages weekly – visitors can check the online catalog for new ideas and activities, or follow Körner’s Folly on social media to get notifications when new content is available.

“Over the past several weeks, we have appreciated a record-breaking amount of engagement through our website and social media, and look forward to providing opportunities for folks to connect to Körner’s Folly and to each other, even when we are physically apart,” says Dale Pennington. “We have also received many queries about how to support the Körner’s Folly Foundation during this time of lost revenue. Fortunately, we have in place several mechanisms through which our community can make a real impact on our organization. We encourage people to purchase advance tour tickets online – they can be used as soon as we are able to open our doors, and are redeemable through 2022. We are also grateful for online donations in any amount that will help us sustain operations. But most importantly, we ask our supporters to bear with us during this closure, keep learning and enjoying history, and be ready to gather in celebration with us when it is safe to do so.”

Körner’s Folly is currently closed to the public, but can be reached via email at info@kornersfolly.org.

Interior Restoration continues at Körner’s Folly

Historic Körner’s Folly, 413 South Main Street, is pleased to announce the continuation of Operation Restoration, a long term project with the goal of restoring and preserving the Victorian house museum.

Jule Körner died in 1924, and his wife died in 1934.  After that, Körner’s Folly was never again lived in as a full-time family home.  Over the decades, time, age, and weather have all taken their toll on Körner’s Folly.  Despite multiple re-purposes, by the 1960s, the house sat unused and vulnerable to vandalism.  Fortunately, in the 1970s, a group of 26 local families, including Körner descendants purchased the house.  Their goal was to restore and preserve Körner’s Folly for the education and enjoyment of the public.  They eventually created the Körner’s Folly Foundation, a nonprofit organization, and had the house listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Over 40 years later – from 2012-2015 – the first major restorative work took place, to completely stabilize the exterior structure of Körner’s Folly.  The house’s foundation was repaired, the porches were restored, and the entire roof was replaced.  Now that the home is water-tight and structurally stable, interior restoration work is underway.  This summer, restoration work began into the home’s main kitchen.

Restoration is the process of depicting the form, features, and character of a property at a particular period of time.  Throughout the restoration process at Körner’s Folly, the Foundation focuses on the house’s 1897-1905 appearance, when the home was at the height of family activity.  The goal is to move through the house, restoring one room at a time, so the house is never closed for tours.  New rooms are being restored each year, three were completed in 2015.  It is a remarkable time to see historic restoration in action.

One of the most challenging aspects of restoring the 135 year-old house is to maintain the home’s historic charm, character, and “lived-in” feel.  Although restoration work brings in new materials and revitalizes each room, it is important that Körner’s Folly remains historic in appearance, and is not overly restored to look brand new.  For example, during the kitchen restoration, extra care was taken to save the original tile floors and hardware, rather than replace them with a modern equivalent.

The first step in the restoration process is to research the history of the room, including the original paint color schemes.  To determine the original paint colors of the kitchen, David Black, AIA/APT of HagerSmith Design of Raleigh, North Carolina, took multiple paint samples of the kitchen. Samples were removed from the wood trim, doors, window sash, wall plaster, and built-in cabinets using a scalpel. Each sample was evaluated with a microscope to identify its original color.

With the historic color analysis complete, work began to repair unstable infrastructure, remove modern elements added to the house over time, replicate and repair missing or damaged plaster details and woodwork, and refinish, clean, and paint architectural surfaces.  However, this project really came to in the final phase – when painters were able to successfully restore the kitchen to Jule’s original color scheme. The plaster walls and the furniture have been returned to a dark red color; the wood window and door trim, window sash, ceiling, baseboards, fireplace trim, and cabinet doors are dark brown – a distinctly Victorian look.  The dark trim and vibrant color scheme will offer visitors a stark contrast to the previously white walls and trim in the kitchen.

As we peel back the layers of paint, read through family letters, and look back at old photographs, we begin to gain a better understanding of not only the house itself, but also the people who lived, breathed, and slept here. Even more of Jule’s eccentric personality becomes clear when we uncover the original color schemes. The floor tiles match the original wall colors, giving visitors a better sense of Jule’s original vision. We learn about the family’s likes, their interests, their joys, and their fears. Eventually, as all the pieces begin to come together, we gain a glimmer of what it might have been like to live here.

Restoration of the Kitchen is made possible by Wolfe & Associates in Honor of Mary Cook for her more than twenty years of service to the Law Firm and her many years as Board Member and Secretary of the Körner’s Folly Foundation.  Stay tuned for more information about this exciting restoration project!

Main Kitchen before restoration. Note the white walls and furniture.

Main Kitchen before restoration. Note the white walls and furniture.