Preserving a National Historic Landmark: the Olson House

This exhibition documents the history of the Olson House, set on a two-acre parcel of land in Cushing, Maine that became one of the most celebrated National Historic Landmarks in 2011, and also outlines the Farnsworth Art Museum’s ongoing preservation efforts of the Olson House over the past several years. In 2020,  a Save America’s Treasures Grant was awarded to the museum by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, and with support provided by the museum, to fund the first-ever Historic Structures Report (HSR) to be conducted for the Olson House. This report identifies a prioritized sequence of preservation projects for the site and offers a vision for its future. Preserving a National Historic Landmark: The Olson House presents new findings from this massive undertaking, highlights the historical significance of the House, and shares early preservation efforts.