New York State Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol

The Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol produced this poster in conjunction with the 1997 completion of a project undertaken to restore the Governor's Reception Room in the State Capitol. The focal point of the project was the restoration of twenty-five wall and ceiling murals painted by William deLeftwich Dodge during the period from 1920 to 1925. These artworks, considered to be excellent examples of the American mural painting tradition, had fallen victim to severe flaking and fading before the Williamstown Regional Art Conservation Laboratory performed restoration and stabilization.

Dodge's depictions of Native Americans, as well as certain military references in the murals, are historically inaccurate. According to the Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol, no documentation has been discovered that would explain Dodge's intentions, leaving many questions regarding the murals unanswered.

From the description of Intrepretive poster of William de Leftwich Dodge murals, 1997. (New York State Archives). WorldCat record id: 122537368

The Temporary State Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol was created in 1979 to study New York's National Historic Landmark Capitol and prepare a long-range, comprehensive plan for the building's restoration and rehabilitation.

Between 1979 and 1982, the Capitol Commission carried out one of the most exhaustive studies ever undertaken on a public building and prepared a master plan that is recognized as a professional standard. The Capitol Commission gathered information on the Capitol, its original design and construction, subsequent alterations, and its current condition from a variety of sources including architectural drawings, government documents, scholarly publications, and the building itself. All this information was compiled into a multivolume historic structure report. On the basis of this report and evaluation of contemporary use of the building, analysis of anticipated changes in state government, and consideration of accepted standards for responsible care of a National Historic Landmark, recommendations were developed for every space in the Capitol as well as its exterior and site. These individual recommendations were then woven into the Master Plan for the New York State Capitol, published in December of 1982.

With the completion of the Master Plan, the Capitol Commission began to guide specific restoration and rehabilitation initiatives, including the restoration of the Executive Chamber. The Capitol Commission played a critical role in the realization of these projects, defining the project for architects and contractors so that the result would be consistent with the aims of the Master Plan. Additional study and research required for each of the projects was carried out by the Capitol Commission. The Commission also began a highly successful public programming effort, explaining the building, its significance, and its restoration to people throughout New York State.

In 1988, the New York State Legislature enacted new legislation continuing the mandate for an additional five-year period and created a State Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol that supersedes the Temporary State Commission. The New York State Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol looks forward to the future restoration and rehabilitation of the Assembly Chamber and the First Floor public spaces.

From the description of New York State Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol Agency History Record. (New York State Archives). WorldCat record id: 83156187

The Temporary State Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol was created in 1979 to study New York's National Historic Landmark Capitol and prepare a long-range, comprehensive plan for the building's restoration and rehabilitation.

Between 1979 and 1982, the Capitol Commission carried out one of the most exhaustive studies ever undertaken on a public building and prepared a master plan that is recognized as a professional standard. The Capitol Commission gathered information on the Capitol, its original design and construction, subsequent alterations, and its current condition from a variety of sources including architectural drawings, government documents, scholarly publications, and the building itself. All this information was compiled into a multivolume historic structure report. On the basis of this report and evaluation of contemporary use of the building, analysis of anticipated changes in state government, and consideration of accepted standards for responsible care of a National Historic Landmark, recommendations were developed for every space in the Capitol as well as its exterior and site. These individual recommendations were then woven into the Master Plan for the New York State Capitol, published in December of 1982.

With the completion of the Master Plan, the Capitol Commission began to guide specific restoration and rehabilitation initiatives, including the restoration of the Executive Chamber. The Capitol Commission played a critical role in the realization of these projects, defining the project for architects and contractors so that the result would be consistent with the aims of the Master Plan. Additional study and research required for each of the projects was carried out by the Capitol Commission. The Commission also began a highly successful public programming effort, explaining the building, its significance, and its restoration to people throughout New York State.

In 1988, the New York State Legislature enacted new legislation continuing the mandate for an additional five-year period and created a State Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol that supersedes the Temporary State Commission. The New York State Commission on the Restoration of the Capitol looks forward to the future restoration and rehabilitation of the Assembly Chamber and the First Floor public spaces.

From the New York State Archives, Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY. Agency record NYSV89-A411