Moran House Begins Phase Two of Restoration

The Thomas Moran Trust has completed the first phase of work restoring the former home and studio of artist Thomas Moran, the Thomas Moran House and Studio, in East Hampton. Phase two is set to begin with a new board.

Peter M. Wolf, founder and outgoing chairman, and Arthur Graham, incoming chairman of the Thomas Moran Trust, announced the new board elections and the beginning of the next phase of the work of the Thomas Moran Trust on Tuesday.

“The first phase,” Wolf said, “has been successfully completed over the past five years. The founding board acquired the property from Guild Hall, selected restoration consultants, engineers and architects to develop the plans, secured significant financing, obtained virtually all rights and permissions required by the Village of East Hampton, and developed the vision for the property going forward.”

The recently elected phase two board consists of Arthur Graham, chairman; Curt Schade, vice president; Alan Mitchell, treasurer; Maureen Bluedorn, secretary; Barbara Borsack; Bill Fleming; Frank Newbold; and Bruce A. T. Siska. Richard Barons, executive director of the East Hampton Historical Society, will replace Marti Mayo as executive director of the Thomas Moran Trust. Mayo will remain with the Trust as a consultant to assure a smooth transition and assist Barons as required.

Graham, the incoming chairman, said, “We want to acknowledge the debt that the Town and the Village of East Hampton owe to Peter Wolf and the outgoing Thomas Moran Trust board. Without their tireless and unselfish work over the past five years this treasure could have been lost forever. The new board is grateful that so much has been achieved, which sets the stage for what will become a meaningful contribution to the region and to the nation with the restoration of this National Historic Landmark property.”

Wolf, who will become honorary chairman of the Trust, continued by saying, “The Thomas Moran Trust is well set for the future. With considerable cash in the bank, the new board will proceed into phase two—restoration of the studio, four outbuildings and historic gardens. Phase three will include planning and programming for public enjoyment of the property. This project is on a constructive path under the guidance of the new board.”