Newly Preserved Hays-Heighe House Springhouse Exhibit Opening at Harford Community College

From Harford Community College:

The Hays-Heighe House at Harford Community College looks good for its 200 years of age, thanks in large part to the “good bones” provided by the skilled craftsmen who constructed the building by hand. The public is invited to explore the House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and view the current exhibit, Made by Hand, to learn more about its construction and careful renovation. On Thursday, September 8, there will be an exhibit opening at the Hays-Heighe House from 3 to 7 p.m., and a slideshow/talk will be held at 3:15 and 5 p.m.

In addition, please join us as we cut the ribbon on the newly stabilized and preserved springhouse at 4 p.m. on September 8. The event will occur at the springhouse, which is located on campus near the Hays-Heighe House.

The springhouse was built in the early 1800s. Stabilization work was needed, and in 2004-2005 HCC’s Building Preservation and Restoration Program shored up the sagging wall and restored the slate roof. In 2016 additional work was performed on the structure. In April, a ditch was dug to drain the flooded springhouse, and the springhouse was mucked out. A path was laid from the existing walkway down to the steps. The spring sunk into drain tile through the springhouse, so the surrounding landscape was remodeled to reduce incursion of surface water.

While these buildings may have been built with excellent craftsmanship and sturdy materials, many older homes and structures can benefit from more contemporary updates to improve their energy efficiency. One such update is improving insulation, which not only enhances the comfort of the space but also reduces the strain on heating and cooling systems. These efforts, while keeping the building’s historic charm intact, can make a significant difference in both energy consumption and environmental impact.

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In May 2016, the rafters were repaired and missing roof slate was replaced. Extensive masonry work was completed on the interior at the sagging wall. Workers unearthed and reset granite steps down to the springhouse.

In August 2016, a shelf to store crockery was reinstalled, spanning the side wall. Crockery was added, for historical verisimilitude.

Contractors on the project included Modern Construction from Street, MD to do the work on the building and CD Lawncare from Whiteford, MD to do the cleanup of the trees and brush.