For Immediate Release
Contact: Jessica Smart, (209) 571-5125
Release Date: Wednesday, December 07, 2011, 4:00 PM
Fire at Historic McHenry Mansion Affects Holiday Festivities
A fire at the McHenry Mansion late Tuesday damaged the exterior of the building and there was water damage to the interior of the building due to the fire sprinklers being activated by the heat of the fire. The Modesto Regional Fire Authority did tremendous work in putting the fire out quickly and continues to investigate the cause of the fire. As a result of the damage, the McHenry Mansion will be closed to the public through February while the damage is assessed and repaired.
The timing for this incident could not have been worse as the holiday season brings many beautiful holiday displays and festivities to the McHenry Mansion. In light of the damage and the temporary closure of the McHenry Mansion, the following changes have been made to the events planned this month:
- · Christmas Candlelight Tours at the McHenry Mansion scheduled for Thursday, December 15 and Saturday, December 17 have been cancelled. Refunds are available by stopping by the McHenry Museum (located at 1402 I Street) on Thursday, December 8 and Friday, December 9 between noon and 4 p.m.
- · The McHenry Mansion Foundation Old Fashioned Victorian Christmas Celebration has been moved to Saturday, December 17 and will be held at the McHenry Museum (located at 1402 I Street).
- · School tours of the McHenry Mansion are in the process of being rescheduled or cancelled. School tours are still available at the McHenry Museum and can be scheduled by calling 577-5235.
Restoration work began today with carpets and padding being removed, damage being assessed, and the “drying out” process. Fencing will be set-up today in an effort to keep the McHenry Mansion safe during the initial restoration and boarding-up process as well as to provide an area in which restoration workers can function safely.
The Modesto community has shown an amazing outpouring of support for this historic Modesto icon and the City of Modesto is grateful. People interested in making donations to the restoration of the McHenry Mansion can do so by making checks payable to the “McHenry Mansion Foundation” and mailing to PO BOX 642 Modesto, CA 95353. For additional information, contact Ellen LaCoste at 577-5235.
*** The McHenry Mansion Visitors Center and Gift Shop, located at 924 15thStreet and not affected by the fire, is open Sunday-Friday noon to 4 p.m.***
