New York and Boulder, CO, March 10, 2008 – A lovely stroll along the garden paths of the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion will soon be more pleasant, thanks to a volunteer workshop to be held August 3-9, 2008 at the famous Bronx mansion built in 1842.

Heritage Conservation Network, a Colorado-based non-profit organization, is partnering with the International Garden Club, which manages the property, to offer this exciting hands-on experience. Volunteers will work with a masonry specialist, Andy deGruchy of deGruchy Masonry Restoration, to clean up the effects of past repair work on the garden paths, which date to 1915, and restore the flagstone steps to their original look. The volunteer team will include a group from France who will participate thanks to Preservation Volunteers, a New York City-based non-profit. Volunteers will travel back in time to learn lost techniques such as using a mini-guillotine to cut stone.

The deadline to register for the workshop is July 3, 2008. To register, go to heritageconservation.net/ws-bartow-pell-2008.htm. Participants will stay at Le Refuge Inn on beautiful City Island. The cost per person is US $1,115, which covers lodging for six nights (Sunday-Friday), breakfast and lunch, workshop instruction and materials, and insurance. Transportation to the site is not included. The workshop schedule includes time to sightsee in the vicinity. A reduced fee of $600 is available for local residents who do not need lodging.

Heritage Conservation Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of architectural heritage around the world. HCN’s workshops give volunteers the opportunity to give something back by helping to protect valuable cultural treasures. To learn more about HCN’s international workshops, visit HCN’s website www.heritageconservation.net.

Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, operated by International Garden Club, Inc., and is a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City. For more information about the Bartow-Pell Mansion and gardens, visit www.bartowpellmansionmuseum.org.