Historic photograph

Historic Structures Report
Restoration & Rehabilitation Project

The Factory at Historic Speedwell is a National Historic Landmark. Steven Vail sought many uses for the Factory from c. 1829, however, the most significant event was the demonstration of the telegraph by its inventors Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail (Steven Vail’s older son) on January 6, 1838. This is reported to be the first public demonstration of the use of the telegraph in the United States. However, historic research has shown that the building had a checkered history as an industrial building with many innovative ideas being experimented within the building from its inception in the early 1820s with the construction of a hydro-system, which provided power to the Factory.

HBA prepared a Historic Structures Report in 2003, which included extensive historic research, mortar, plaster, and paint material analysis, and an assessment of the alternative uses for the building with interpretive methods reviewed and a code compliance evaluation for public use.

In 2004, HBA was asked to prepare contract drawings and specifications for the restoration of the Factory. This work included resistance drilling analysis of the large timber framing, extensive structural reinforcement repairs, the careful restoration of windows and woodwork, and upgrades to electrical systems to create an appropriate exhibit space. Construction will begin in June of 2006 for the restoration of the Factory. HABS drawings were also prepared for this building by HBA.

www.speedwell.org

Paint photo-micrograph

Interior condition assessment (Click to enlarge: PDF)