by Patrick Carmody, Museum Educator
Hollybourne Cottage has experienced continued improvement each season through ongoing preservation efforts aimed at maintaining its unique tabby structure. Andrea Marroquin, curator, and Taylor Davis, preservationist, of the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA), along with a dedicated team of volunteers, have been actively engaged in various preservation projects on Hollybourne Cottage. In addition to these endeavors, many noteworthy achievements have been realized through a multi-department design project, led by the Historic Resources team.
Work on the Hollybourne Cottage exhibits began in 2022 when the JIA commissioned HW Exhibits to draw a conceptual design. Currently, the historic resources team is working on exhibit planning and development to flesh out the concept into a fully-fledged exhibit design plan. From this plan, the team will move forward with bringing these designs to life. With assistance from Jekyll Island Foundation donors, new exhibits will be created for the first floor of Hollybourne Cottage that elaborate on its history, the Maurice Family, their staff, and the unique architecture of the cottage itself.
To interpret Hollybourne for the public, engaging displays have been meticulously planned to exhibit details tied to Hollybourne with its extensive history. One way the new space will portray the varied aspects of the site is with a 2D model of the front of Hollybourne. With this display, guests can move panels to reveal more information about the Maurices, the architecture, and preservation efforts among other facts about the structure and its history. The original cabinets will be restored and feature information on the meals served in Hollybourne, fine china, and recipes for drinks like Cordials and Roman Punch. This project is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
To partner with the historic resources team, helping to preserve these unique spaces for future generations, click HERE.
