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State Monuments - Confederate
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Restoring the Splendor of the Mississippi State Memorial
| On February 23, 1998, conservators from Ann Beha & Associates of
Boston, MA assisted park personnel with the removal of the first bronze panel from the
Mississippi State Memorial. This event was the final step of the investigative phase
for restoration of the impressive monument, which was dedicated by Governor E.F. Noel on
November 13, 1909. |
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The ninety-year old state memorial has suffered the ravages of time,
weathering, and vandalism, and is in the worst condition of the parks 1,324 monuments,
markers, tablets and plaques. The panels, created by Sculptor Frederick E.
Triebel and cast in Rome, Italy, are of an inferior quality bronze. Cracks,
fissures, inclusion, porosity, iron oxide deposits, and poor alloying of the case metal
are apparent. Holes caused by corrosion of the metal are visible in several areas of
the bronze work. |
| Removal of one bronze panel has provided conservators with access to the
hidden areas and the ability to examine the metal and stonework under controlled
conditions. In the coming months conservators will determine what has caused the
damage to the monument and identify the most effective method for restoration. |
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| Due to the uniqueness of the monument and
delicate condition of the bronze panels, the time schedules may be variable and
extenuating circumstances may cause delays in the restoration process. |
Superintendent William O. Nichols said,
"We cannot be more exact because of the
uniqueness of what we are about .... And that
under no circumstances will we allow ourselves
to be rushed and risk damaging the monument." |
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By Just One
Vote |
The state of Mississippi passes legislation for a monument at
Vicksburg National Military Park |
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Efforts for
Restoration |
EcoKids start effort to restore the Mississippi State Memorial by
collecting aluminum cans |
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Removing the First
Panel |
The first phase of restoring the Mississippi State Memorial begins
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| Historic Structures |
By Just One Vote! |
 
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Last update: Monday, January 22, 2001
http://www.nps.gov/vick/preserve/ms_mnt/ms_mnt.htm
Editor: G. Zeman |
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