In 1989, Lawndale was purchased by Brevard County. By late 2000 it became apparent that the County was losing interest in restoring the structure for a living history museum and a process was begun to sell the property. Preservation and Education Trust (PET) was formed and incorporated as a non-for-profit 501 (c)(3) and signed an agreement with the County to lease the property for the purpose of restoring the home and opening it to the public.
The restoration was completed following Secretary of the Interior Guidelines. Original paint colors were determined by scraping, and in some cases, having the paint chips analyzed by the FLorida Division of Historical Resources. A Special Category Grant was secured by PET from the Florida Division of Historical Resources to commence restoration. There have also been significant donations to help with the restoration. Much of the work has been done by volunteers, and all of the furnishings and many of the light fixtures were donated.
There is currently no budget for paid staff so we will continue to function as a volunteer staff until we are financially able to hire a director.
Fundraising is our greatest need to support ongoing restoration and maintenance. The museum is allowed to function in the Residential district through a Special Exception to operate as a passive public park, however the Rockledge Board of Adjustment in 1996 placed very restrictive limitations and conditions in granting the Special Exception that will make it very difficult to sustain our operation; we are hopeful that in the future we can revisit these.
Lawndale is a work in progress as we learn museum management and continue to complete the restoration work. We welcome all suggestions and look forward to making Lawndale a pleasant and rewarding experience supported by our local community.
P.E.T. President Carole Pope and Margaret Williams Rainwater
