News Release
News Release Date: August 14, 2026
TITUSVILLE, Fla. — Thanks to funding from the fiscal year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program, Canaveral National Seashore recently completed a major historic preservation project to repair damage caused by Hurricane Milton at three historic properties: Eldora House, Seminole Rest Main House and Seminole Rest Caretaker’s House.
A National Park Service Maintenance Action Team composed of skilled craftspeople from the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Training Center performed the restoration.
“This project demonstrates the National Park Service's commitment to preserving the cultural resources that tell the story of Florida's coastal communities," said Superintendent Carmen Thomson. "By using Disaster Supplemental funding to address Hurricane Milton damage, we were able to protect these historic structures for future generations while providing valuable preservation training opportunities.”
MATs are designed to quickly address high-priority facility maintenance and repair needs at under resourced parks. Teams specialize in preserving historic structures and provide parks with a flexible, cost-effective alternative to traditional contracting. This is especially valuable after natural disasters, when timely action is essential to protect resources, restore operations and reduce the risk of further damage.
The MAT crew completed the following work to restore the damaged structures:
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replaced damaged roof shingles and decking
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fabricated and installed custom chimney caps
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restored decorative porch railings and trim
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repaired doors and hurricane shutters
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stabilized historic windows
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reconstructed architectural features
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performed carpentry and painting work using methods consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
The Eldora House and Seminole Rest Main House represent important chapters in the history of Florida's east coast. The Seminole Rest Main House reflects the region's late Victorian architectural heritage, while the Seminole Rest Caretaker's House and Eldora House help interpret the lives of the families and communities that once lived along Mosquito Lagoon.
nps.gov
About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.
Last updated: September 4, 2026