Knaut-Rhuland House Renewal
Building upon the past achievements of the Lunenburg Heritage Society, our mission is to propel the Knaut-Rhuland House Museum to new heights, positioning it as a premier destination in Lunenburg, and to safeguard this cultural treasure for the enjoyment and enlightenment of
future generations.
Efforts to Conserve the Knaut-Rhuland House
Progress to date:
Conservation Plan: COMPLETED March 2022
Phase One: COMPLETED August 2023 - Focus on Urgent Structural Components.
Phase Two: COMPLETED March 2025 - Site drainage, foundation repointing, exterior paint analysis, and upgrade to electrical service.
Phase Three: April 2026 to June 2027 - Highlights: Repair & paint the house exterior, landscaping, accessibility assessment.
Phase Three - Painting the House
This Phase focuses on the restoration, repair, and painting of the wooden clapboard and trim, using traditional means and methods. The exterior will be painted with linseed oil paint, in period appropriate colours. The six-over-six double sash windows will be fully restored. The original and highly detailed front door assembly, including the door, sidelights, fanlight, and associated trim will be meticulously restored, preserved and painted.
Work will address deterioration, ensure structural integrity, and restore the building’s historic appearance. This work will result in a painted and restored house that will ensure that the building will be here for future generations to enjoy and explore.
Other exterior projects include an accessibility assessment, landscaping and garden, and replacement stairs at the rear of the house.
Phase Two - Protecting the Structure
This Phase focused on the remaining high priority items from the 2022 Conservation Plan:
- Repairing, repointing, and safeguarding the stone foundation, a defining feature of the building.
- Installing a new drainage system to protect against water damage.
- Conducting paint analysis in preparation for the exterior repair and painting in 2025
- Upgrading the electrical system to ensure the safety and longevity of the structure
Protect the House from Excess Moisture
The priority to address water infiltration into the basement guided the planning. Able Engineering was hired to prepare a site drainage plan to manage storm water. The extensive excavation of the site to complete the surface water drainage system, presented an opportunity to assess the stone exterior foundation of the KRH and repoint and repair it, as required. Additional work around the foundation may include insulation and drain tile.
Prepare for Painting
The purpose of the paint analysis was to determine the earliest colours on the various wooden features of the exterior of the house and the age of the paint. This provided a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of the features of the house to guide the exterior restoration. Conducting paint analysis was recommended by our Parks Canada adviser.
Electrical Upgrades
The electrical service was upgraded to 200 amps in anticipation of the eventual interior restoration. This work will include heating and improved lighting and will require a more robust electrical system. The exterior electrical wires leading to the building have been moved underground and the electrical meter placed in a less obvious place enhancing the look of the House.
Our Fundraising Progress to Date
Phase Three: Campaign Goal is $150,000. Launch date for this campaign is May 28, 2026.
Phase Two: Generous supporters pledged to match donations up to $50,000. We are pleased to announce that this pledge has been met!
Phase One: Over $86,900 funds for our 2023 Structural Work. Additional funds raised were allocated to Phase Two.
Conservation Plan Phase: $20,000 raised to develop a Conservation Plan.
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The Lunenburg Heritage Society gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Government of Canada.
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The Lunenburg Heritage Society recognizes the support of the Province of Nova Scotia. We are pleased to work in partnership with the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage to develop and promote our cultural resources for all Nova Scotians.
Phase One Work Overview
Phase One
Structural Work
Final Cost: $86,900
This phase addressed the most urgent recommendations from the 2022 Conservation Plan and focused on structural deficiencies that threatened the structural integrity and continued safe use of the building.
What we accomplished:
• Reconstruction of west section of southern stone foundation wall. East Coast Masonry (pictured above).
• Reframed structure around the western chimney. Bluerocks Timber Framers.
• Repaired the current and previous basement stairs framing. DORA Construction.
• Completed an Archaeological
Resource Impact Assessment (ARIA). Davis MacIntyre & Associates Limited.
Thank you to Greg Munn of Munn Architecture for working with us on the management of this phase and Tom Morrison of Heritage Standing Inc. for structural engineering design work.
