Introduction to the Project
The Athenaeum has hired the firm of Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker to create a plan to preserve and restore the gallery skylights and ventilators. In 2009, an in-depth analysis of the condition of the skylights revealed that they were severely deteriorated to a point requiring wholesale replacement. The new skylight frameworks have been carefully designed to replicate as closely as possible the dimensions and look of the original while accommodating the weight of a new glazing system.
During the project restoration of two smaller 4' square skylights that flank the main skylight and provide light to the side galleries will be completed. Additionally, a 7' square skylight, originally located in the gallery's entrance hall will be reconstructed.
 The triple-glazed system from Sage Electrochromics, Inc. will incorporate electronically tintable insulated glass units and a layer of textured glass that will match the existing historic glass in the skylights. This system will control light levels in the gallery and eliminate the need for the installation of a mechanical blackout shade. The triple-glazing will also improve the thermal efficiency of the skylight and address concerns about condensation on the glass.
What is electrochromic (EC) glass? It is electronically tintable glass that can be switched from clear to darkly tinted (and from darkly tinted to clear) at the push of a button. EC glass can be operated manually or integrated into an automated building management system. SageGlass® EC glass modulates visible light transmission and solar heat gain, and, in the tinted condition, blocks 98% of the total solar radiation that causes fading.
 The contractor for the project will be Neagley & Chase from South Burlington, Vermont. This company also specializes in historic preservation and has worked on a number of buildings including the inn and barns at Shelburne Farms. They have received the President’s Historic Preservation Award and the Preservation Trust of Vermont Award. Vulcon Supply Company (sub-contractor) recently began the restoration of the four ventilators.
This project began on February 24, 2011 with the removal of four of the rooftop ventilators and completion is planned for November 2011 for our 140th Anniversary.
 A Touch of Glass has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities -"Because democracy demands wisdom." One component of this project is a frame survey by Laura Brill and a conservation treatment proposal of the frames by Hugh Glover. This is a project that has been designated a National Endowment for the Humanities We the People project and is being supported in part by funds the agency has set aside for this special initiative. The goal of the We the People initiative is to encourage and strengthen the teaching, study, and understanding of American history and culture through the support of projects that explore significant events and themes in our nation's history and culture and that advance knowledge of the principles that define America.
Skylight Project Update
 As of July 8 all the shop work has been completed with the exception of some of the finishing paint. At the Athenaeum, the electrical contractor has completed the installation of some of the conduits needed to run the wires from the individual glass panes to the supply modules. The glass has been scheduled to ship during the week of July 18 and is expected to arrive at the end of that week in Milton where Vulcan supply is located. The plan is to ship all the components and the glass to St. Johnsbury and start the installation work the week of the  25th of July. This is, at this point, based on the expectation that the glass will arrive as planned.
One of the first tasks will be to remove the glass from large skylight and then the frame. After this the new skylight frame will be lifted into place, secured and the installation of the Sage glass will proceed. This work will be done by Mayos Glass. In the meantime, an opening in the hyphen roof will be made and the new skylight will be installed and made ready for glass installation. Both of these tasks involve refinishing as well as installing decorative components on the sides of the shafts underneath the skylights.
Similarly, the two, small side skylights with the original glass will be remounted and a lay light made from Sage glass will be installed in the small shafts underneath the two skylights. The restored ventilators will also be reinstalled. With the installation completed, Rodd Roofing will re-seal the components to the existing roof.
The final step will be the removal of the large scaffold and other materials in the gallery. The Collections Committee is detailing plans for the removal of the protective covers over the two paintings that were left in place as well as the re-installation of the all the paintings.
A Touch of Glass Project Sponsors |
The historic Art Gallery at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum is temporarily closed for skylights' restoration. Tours of our building’s unique architecture, artwork from our permanent collection, and exhibits in our Upstairs Gallery are available to the public during regular hours. A specially created digital presentation of the works from our historic Art Gallery is on display in the Fiction Room. We look forward to reopening the Gallery some time late in 2011. 
