The Sembrich Receives GHHN Award of Excellence for the “Queen of the Night” Conservation Project
The Sembrich presented at the 2024 GHHN Conference Awardee Poster Session. (Left to Right: Gwen Spicer, textile conservator; Ginny Britt, Director of Administration; Caleb Eick, Director of Institutional Advancement)
BOLTON LANDING, NY – The Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN) has awarded The Sembrich a 2024 Award for Excellence for its recent efforts to preserve Marcella Sembrich's "Queen of the Night" costume. The museum staff attended the annual GHHN conference on Tuesday, October 15 to accept the award and present at an awardee poster session. The conference “Embracing Innovation,” was held at Manhattanville College in Purchase New York and was attended by museum professionals from across New York State.
“We are honored to receive this award from GHHN and present on this unique piece of operatic history” says Caleb Eick, The Sembrich’s Director of Institutional Advancement and coordinator of the “Queen of the Night” conservation project. “This important initiative wouldn’t have been possible without Gwen Spicer, the incredibly talented conservator who spent over 500 hours completing conservation treatments. The project would also not be possible without the support of The Coby Foundation, The Sandy Hill Foundation, and the Greater Hudson Heritage Network, as well as the generosity of our museum’s community at large.”
Greater Hudson Heritage Network's Awards for Excellence program seeks to recognize and commend exceptional efforts among GHHN members. Awards are made to projects that exemplify creativity and professional vision resulting in a contribution to the preservation and interpretation of the historic scene, material culture, and diversity of the region.
The Sembrich’s award recognized the successful preservation of Marcella Sembrich's “Queen of the Night” costume. The gown, the centerpiece of The Sembrich’s recent centennial exhibition, “Mastering Mozart,” and was worn by Sembrich in her role for the Metropolitan Opera’s 1900 premiere production of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute). It is the single largest conservation project for a collection item completed in the organization’s history. Gwen Spicer, of Spicer Art Conservation, completed conservation activities, and the extensive treatments included encapsulation of the majority of the costume in fine, custom-dyed netting, stabilization of different components of the couture gown, train, and veil, recreation of one shoulder element based on historical photos, and the re-attachment of hundreds of sequins.
Marcella Sembrich as “Queen of the Night.” (ca. 1900) Photograph from The Sembrich Collection.
Marcella Sembrich’s “Queen of the Night” costume. Photograph by Bill Hubert from The Sembrich Collection.
About the Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN)
GHHN is New York State's ‘go-to' service organization focusing on interpretation, collections care programming, and the conservation and preservation of objects in collecting institutions statewide. Its programming and professional development training programs, webinars, hands-on workshops, web-based resources, responsive technical assistance, and grant opportunities provide the tools so that historical societies, historic house museums, heritage centers, historic sites, archives, and libraries may better care for their own collections. GHHN, in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), administers the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Grant Program. Now in its 24th year, the grant program offers support for conservation treatment procedures by professional conservators as well as preservation supplies & collections assessments.
About The Sembrich
Experience music, history, and nature at The Sembrich in Bolton Landing. The Sembrich features museum exhibitions and an annual summer festival with an exciting mix of world-class musicians, noted musical scholars, a free film series, and the opportunity to enjoy it all on the beautiful shores of Lake George. Listed on the National Historic Register, The Sembrich was once the teaching studio of Polish soprano Marcella Sembrich, one of the most famous musicians at the turn of the 20th century. Visitors can discover her storied legacy, which includes over 400 performances at the Metropolitan Opera and faculty positions at both the Juilliard Graduate School and the Curtis Institute of Music. With a treasured museum, performance series, and over four wooded acres of nature paths to explore, The Sembrich is truly a unique cultural experience.
The Sembrich’s museum & grounds will be open daily from May 24 – October 14, 2024.
The Sembrich’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
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