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The Nelson Homestead - Wood and Stone Retreat

Thanks to your generous support, we are now able to begin work on this wonderful building!

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The Nelson Homestead - Wood and Stone Retreat

The Nelson Homestead - Wood and Stone Retreat

The Nelson Homestead - Wood and Stone Retreat

The Nelson Homestead - Wood and Stone Retreat

The Nelson Homestead - Wood and Stone Retreat

Thanks to your generous support, we are now able to begin work on this wonderful building!

Thanks to your generous support, we are now able to begin work on this wonderful building!

Thanks to your generous support, we are now able to begin work on this wonderful building!

Thanks to your generous support, we are now able to begin work on this wonderful building!

Jennifer Smith
Jennifer Smith
Jennifer Smith
Jennifer Smith
2 Campaigns |
Crisfield, United States
$48,570 USD 166 backers
28% of $168,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Highlights
Mountain Filled 2 Projects Mountain Filled 2 Projects
 
WOW!!  BIG HUGE THANKS for all of your support! 

We are continuing to accept tax deductible donations through Fractured Atlas, HERE
Thanks to you, we are now able to move forward and begin work stabilizing this wonderful building. Over the next 12 months, I will be working on finding and applying for grants. 
I'll be keeping a journal of our progress. Please feel free to reach out to us at thewoodandstoneretreat@gmail.com

"The Nelson Homestead / Wood and Stone Retreat is a very exciting project with a high probability of success. It is unique in its multiple contributions to Historic Preservation, Arts & Culture, Education and Tourism. We believe it is an important piece of the puzzle toward re-energizing the economy of Crisfield and a wonderful utilization of an existing 'at risk' Heritage resource here on the Lower Eastern Shore." The Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Areas Council

This year, Preservation Maryland (partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation) declared The Nelson Homestead one of the top 10 most important endangered historic properties in the state of Maryland. Only with your help will I be able to provide stewardship and prevent this wonderful site from being lost to time.


My name is Jennifer Smith. The Nelson Homestead has been in my family for half a century. It was constructed in the early 1800s by Somerset County ship builder Elisha Riggin. It's one of very few remaining "telescope" houses on the Eastern Shore, and is considered exceptional because of it's unaltered and highly unusual woodwork. It sits in the middle of 9 secluded acres of meadow, woods, farmland and wetlands, bordered on the East by Johnson's Creek which provides access to the Pocomoke Sound.

I'm a career musician. For over 20 years my husband, Scott and I have been writing, performing, recording and teaching music around the country.  When I inherited this property in 2012, we began working on how we might create a "job" for this house so that, through programming, grant funding and the occasional rental, it will be able to cover it's own upkeep costs.  That's how
The Wood and Stone Retreat was born.

Now in it's second year, Scott and I bring together the nation's top songwriters with musicians from around the country for a 5 day music workshop retreat at the State Park, 3 miles from the Nelson Homestead.  Each session, we collaborate with the local high school and the community to provide learning opportunities and a free concert event. We love seeing our guests charmed by the beautiful town of Crisfield and this magical property. We're excited by the potential of The Nelson Homestead as an artist retreat and Heritage Site and as a contributor to the arts and economy in Somerset County.

Songwriting class with Phil Madeira,                   Our free concert on the City Dock    
Wyatt Easterling and Dan Navarro         


For the past 3 years I've been working with old house specialists, county, state and federal agencies, contractors, business advisors and friends. I've been overwhelmed by the ideas and enthusiasm I've received from so many of you. If it wasn't for your huge outpouring of encouragement, I probably wouldn't have gotten this far. We now have a well planned strategy and an excellent team  – It's time to get this job done!

OUR TEAM
Preservation Consultant Michael Devonshire,

  • Specialist in Historic Materials Conservation, History of Construction Technology, Architectural Documentation and Condition Assessments.
  • historic preservation consultant since 1985 
  • Jan Hird Pokorny Associates - Senior Architectural Conservator
  • Columbia University Professor - Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Since 2003
  • Commissioner, NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
  • New York University: Lecturer in Preservation Case Studies; since 2003
  • UMASS Amherst, Graduate Program in Preservation, Architectural Conservation I, II. Present
    Craftsman and General Contractor, Bruce Wooster:
    • William R Wooster and Sons, Inc is a family run residential construction business in Crisfield, MD with 3 generations of craftsmen with half a century of experience in historic rehabilitation and new construction. 
    • Bruce is also a luthier and member of the Blue Crab Crossing Bluegrass Band.
    Preservation Specialist Elizabeth Beckley:
    • Eastern Shore field director, Preservation Maryland
    • Six years as principal of Bohemia Manor, LLC, an Eastern Shore firm specializing in historic preservation, restoration and the adaptive reuse of historic buildings 
    • Chairwoman of the Kent County Historic Preservation Commission Board 
    • President of the Friends of Mount Harmon Plantation 
    • Chairwoman of the Millington Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals 
    • She holds a Maryland Home Improvement Contracting license.



    Old houses tell a story. 
    They provide a chronicle. 
    They ground us with a sense of place and time.
    They give us comfort and perspective on where we fit in this huge, sometimes impersonal world.

    Please help us save this unique and important piece of Maryland history. Together, we can turn it into a destination for musicians, artists and everyone longing to retreat back to a simpler time and a one of a kind experience on Maryland's remote Lower Eastern Shore.

    What We Need 

    Our fundraising goal is $168,000 which, combined with anticipated historic preservation grants, will provide for full a rehabilitation of The Nelson Homestead.
    Just $50,000 raised will allow us to successfully complete Phase 1 of the project - stabilizing the house and preventing the rapid deterioration that is happening right now.  With Phase 1 funding we will:

    • secure needed preservation consultants & engineers 
    • repair / improve driveway access
    • install electrical wiring
    • repair a rotted section of foundation
    • stabilize the chimneys
    • repair / rebuild the roof
    The balance of our goal will be put toward completing the exterior wood repair and interior rehabilitation: consultations, repairing floors, windows, fireplaces, molding, plaster, finishing electric wiring, bath and plumbing.  
    If we exceed our fundraising goal, we will use the additional $$s to continue grounds improvements and begin implementing projects with the Lower Shore community and beyond including concert events, music education, heritage and environmental conservation programming.


    I hope you'll consider making a tax deductible donation of any amount to help preserve this place in Maryland’s history. I hope you will come visit and experience this place with your family and friends. 
    If you can't make a donation, I hope you will share our story and campaign to spread the word so others can join in our efforts. Thank You!

    GREAT PERKS! In addition to a tax deduction, here are just a few of the Perks we're offering: (we are willing to get creative, so feel free to ask us about mix and match perks/perk combinations)

    • a replica of the original house key
    • a Smith Island Cake (you have to see the video!)
    • a Cruise on the Stephen Thomas to Tangier Island or the Betty Jo Tyler to Smith Island
    • a crab feast for 4
    • the 'Musician's Launchpad': Professional photo shoot, album artwork and marketing consultation for your next album release
    • VIP lawn party and tour of the house
    • A personal critique of your song by a multi-platinum hit songwriter
    • A free pass to our 5 day Songwriting Workshop Retreat
    • A concert in your home (or just about anywhere you want it)

    Who's Else Believes in This Project?

    The Crisfield Heritage Foundation: “We give our full support to Mrs. Smith's plans. We believe saving the Nelson Homestead is an important project and look forward to incorporating the property into our heritage programming. The City of Crisfield and the surrounding area benefit economically and culturally if Jennifer is able to realize her goal of preserving the Nelson Homestead to become a destination center for music, writing and culture.”

    The Somerset County Arts Council: “Mrs. Smith is a native of this area and therefore has a unique perspective of the potential for enrichment of both visiting artists and the interaction of artists with the people. Her plans for an arts center in an authentic homeplace setting will foster both the creativity of the artists and serve as an inspiration and center to further the folk crafts of the region.”

    THANK YOU SO MUCH for taking the time to look at our project and for sharing the link to this project page with your friends, family & cohorts!






    Looking for more information? Check the project FAQ
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    Choose your Perk

    Postcard From the Shore

    $25 USD
    Our deepest gratitude! You have contributed to a meaningful cultural and historic project. We'll send you a personal Thank You note on a picture postcard.
    22 claimed

    Lotsa Nails

    $50 USD
    $50 buys a lot of nails! Get a personal Thank You photo postcard and a free 10 song, multi-artist digital download compilation album 'The Best of the Wood and Stone Room'.
    12 claimed

    Bridge to Boardwalk

    $60 USD
    A copy of 'From Bridge to Boardwalk: An Audio Journey Across Maryland's Eastern Shore' and 2 tickets to the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, MD. This 4.5 acre waterfront facility with 12,000 square feet of exhibition space is a major destination for tourists and is named after Crisfield carvers Stephen and Lemuel Ward whose vision and artistry in carving decoys pioneered the transition of the decoy from a working tool to an expressive wildfowl sculpture. www.wardmuseum.org/
    1 out of 9 of claimed

    You are a Key Contributor

    $100 USD
    Postcard, a digital 10 song album download AND We will add your name to the plaque honoring our supporters and send you an antique key like the original front door key!
    Estimated Shipping
    October 2014
    48 claimed

    More Music

    $150 USD
    Postcard, Key, 10 song digital download, your name on the plaque AND a signed copy of our most recent album, 'Weightless'.
    Estimated Shipping
    October 2014
    5 claimed

    Good Reading, Good Listening

    $250 USD
    Photographer Nathan Benn and writer Leslie Allen spent time with my parents at The Nelson Homestead while working on the Lower Eastern Shore segment of the National Geographic's America's Hidden Corners publication. We'll send you a copy of the book along with your name on the plaque, a postcard & digital music download compilation. If we run out of this book, we may replace it with Nat Geo's Preserving America's Past or other similar title.
    Estimated Shipping
    November 2014
    6 claimed

    Have Your Cake

    $350 USD
    An authentic, 9" hand baked Smith Island Cake - 7lbs of heaven delivered to your door on dry ice straight from the island: www.smithislandcake.com - pick your flavor!
    2 claimed

    Songwriter's Special

    $400 USD
    Postcard, key, digital album download, your name on the plaque AND a thorough listen and helpful, comprehensive, personal critique of one of your recorded songs, delivered via email or US mail by multi-platinum hit songwriter and former head of A & R at Atlantic Records, Wyatt Easterling. - A great gift for the songwriter you love!
    Estimated Shipping
    October 2014
    2 out of 4 of claimed

    Let's Write a Song Together

    $600 USD
    Postcard, Key, Digital Download, your name on the plaque AND a 2 hour songwriting session with us via Skype. Bring a song you've started, or we'll create something brand new together.
    0 out of 4 of claimed

    Enjoy the Islands

    $1,200 USD
    Your name on the plaque AND An authentic, 9" hand baked Smith Island Cake - pick your flavor - 7lbs of heaven delivered to your door on dry ice. www.smithislandcake.com - 2 tickets for a roundtrip cruise to Smith Island on the Betty Jo Tyler OR to Tangier Island on the Steven Thomas (Backer is responsible for transportation to Crisfield).
    1 out of 75 of claimed

    Musician's Launch Pad

    $1,200 USD
    This makes a great gift for the musician you love! You'll get: - a 2 hour photo shoot with one of the region's most sought after portrait photographers, Ruut Demeo (www.RMDportraits.net) - 2 panel album design for your next album release (Jen Smith) - ISRC Codes for up to 12 songs - a 1 hour planning session for your music marketing strategy (choosing the right digital aggregator, using social media, website recommendations, touring & radio) (Jen Smith) and your name on the plaque
    0 out of 2 of claimed

    Concert in Your Home!

    $2,500 USD
    If you're within 3 hours of Baltimore, we'll come play for you - at your place, or just about wherever you want us.
    1 out of 3 of claimed

    Eastern Shore Experience

    $5,000 USD
    Your generosity secures the foundation of this project's success! Postcard, key, free music, your name on the plaque AND - A Smith Island Cake - choose your flavor, shipped ot your door - 4 tickets for your choice of a Tangier, Smith Island, Chincoteague OR St Michaels boat cruise - Crab Feast for 4 at The Crab Place, Crisfield OR a dozen 6oz Crab Cakes delivered.
    1 claimed

    Islands, Boats, Cakes & Songs

    $10,000 USD
    Enjoy the "Eastern Shore Experience" perks AND you and a friend be our guests for the June 2015 Wood and Stone Retreat Songwriting Workshop 6/4 - 6/8. http://www.woodandstoneretreat.com
    0 out of 2 of claimed

    12 Months of Shore Delights

    $20,000 USD
    Postcard, key, your name on the top of the plaque AND A year of monthly deliveries to you alternating between Smith Island Cake http://www.smithislandcake.com and a Doz Crab Cakes from The Crab Place http://www.crabplace.com/ That's 6 cakes (choose your flavors!) and 6 dozen crab cakes
    0 claimed

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