Renovation Project

The Alexander Ramsey House will close for several months early 2008 so renovations can be made to the home’s parlor and heating system. Preservation of the home and its contents is the focus of the renovations.

Overview of Project

The parlor will undergo a renovation bringing the space to its 1881 time period. From 1879 to 1881, Alexander Ramsey served as the U.S. Secretary of War. Both he and his wife Anna, lived in Washington, D.C., during those years only to return to St. Paul after Ramsey lost his bid for the U.S. Senate in 1880.

It was in 1881 that Anna Ramsey redecorated the parlor. The current renovation includes installing reproduction period wallpaper and a replica of the original Wilton carpet. The parlor restoration is funded by the Anna E.R. Furness Fund and the Alexander Ramsey House Board of Governors.

At the same time the parlor is being updated, workers will add a state-of-the-art heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Updating the system will provide stable environmental conditions critical for the protection of the mansion and the collection housed within, without altering its appearance. Funding for the project is provided by the Minnesota Legislature through its Asset Preservation Funds.

Re-opening

During the closure, the site will accept reservations for school and group tours, summer camp, children’s parties and other programs for the remainder of the year. House tours will return with a special focus on the public entertaining spaces, including the newly renovated parlor. Further information about the exact re-opening of the Ramsey House will be announced at a later date.