Adopt an Object provides the people of Greensboro – individuals, families, organizations and businesses – an opportunity to support very important conservation projects through tax-deductible donations.
The Greensboro History Museum Inc. houses more than 600,000 archival items in addition to more than 30,000 three dimensional objects. Many of these artifacts require specialized treatment by a professional conservator. Your tax-deductible donation in any amount would help the museum’s mission of preserving the history and heritage of Greensboro.
How to Adopt an Object
Donations can be made ONLINE or via check, credit card or pledge. Questions? Contact Museum Director Carol Ghiorsi Hart at 336.373.2306.
Ready for Adoption
Pair of lions originally from Bellemeade, 1860
Estimated Conservation Cost: $9000
Since 1983 the lions have decorated the Summit Street doors to the museum, becoming the face of the institution. Manufactured by James, Beebe & Co., Bronx, New York, the lions are cast iron painted to look like bronze. They previously graced Bellemeade, the home of Harriet Eliza and Henry Humphreys Tate. When the house was demolished in 1954, many of its furnishings were donated to the museum, along with the lion sculptures. (1953.10)
Portrait of “Jed” Lindsay, circa 1840
Estimated Conservation Cost: $2000
This oil painting on canvas by an unknown artist was donated to the museum in 2018. Its subject, Jeduthan “Jed” Harper Lindsay (1806-1881), was a member of First Presbyterian Church. He and his brother Jesse gave land for the church building and cemetery. Both are buried in the cemetery, as are their parents. (2019.11.1) ADOPTED!
Mark Iddings Clothing, circa 1814
Estimated Conservation Cost: $2200
According to Armfield family tradition, this clothing was a militia uniform worn by their ancestor Mark Iddings (1784-1848), a Guilford County Quaker. An attractive homespun cotton tailcoat, a linen neck stock and drop-front cotton pants form the ensemble. (1939.510) ADOPTED!
Zachary Taylor Daguerreotype, circa 1847
Estimated Conservation Cost: $1375
This daguerreotype of President Zachary Taylor is likely among the earliest photographs of him, probably taken soon after his return from the Mexican War. Although it shows Taylor in civilian dress, it became the basis for an engraving of him in military uniform. (1973.208.1)
To learn more about objects that have been already been adopted and conserved, visit our page about Conserved Objects.