Pre-Restoration Hard Hat Tours
Asbestos Free in 2023
We truly appreciate the enthusiasm and curiosity Lynnewood Hall is bringing to so many. Before we can officially open our doors to the public, however, we have a lot of work yet to do. Our top priority is asbestos remediation to make Lynnewood Hall safe and to protect construction workers and members of the general public from the negative health impacts of asbestos.
But before we can begin this essential work, we’ll need your help. The Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation needs to raise $1,250,000, to cover the cost of the remediation process. Our goal is to complete this phase as quickly as possible so we can begin offering a variety of experiential opportunities for the public to enjoy. We hope you’ll be able to help us in any way you can. Donations of any size will be accepted and greatly appreciated.
As an incentive, we’re now offering several exclusive semi-private and small group pre-restoration hard hat tours. These tours will be scheduled after remediation is completed, in approximately 4-5 months, and will offer donors a rare peek inside the main building of this exclusive property.
Some images of basement rooms used historically by Lynnewood Hall staff that have extensive asbestos. Remediation of this hazardous material will allow our organization to offer tours of these spaces.
Hard Hat Tour Packages — Click Here to Donate
Half-day tour For private groups of up to 12 people – $50,000.
You’ll get six-hour tour with exclusive access to all areas of the main building that are safe for visitors. You’ll also be given lunch with the Lynnewood Hall staff, a framed 11×14 photo of your tour group taken on the steps of the Great Hall, and 12 souvenir Lynnewood Hall hard hats to show off to your friends. Determination of areas safe to visit is at the discretion of the tour guide based on recommendations from expert consultants.
Photography tour For private groups of up to 4 people – $15,000.
You’ll be given a three-hour tour with exclusive access and photography opportunities. This tour will include plenty of time for setting up the perfect photo in several key locations. There is no access to power available for lighting setups. Only three of these extended access photography tours may be scheduled concurrently, depending on scheduling demands.
4-hour private tour For two people – $10,000.
This exclusive four-hour tour will provide extended access all areas of the building safe for visitors. Up to five other pairs may join your tour depending on scheduling demands. In addition, you’ll receive an 8×10 photo of you at Lynnewood Hall along with two souvenir hard hats to show off to your friends. Personal photography is also permitted.
4-hour Semi-private group tour For individuals – $5,000.
This maximum four-hour tour, for groups up to 12, will visit all areas of the building that are safe for visitors. You’ll also receive a souvenir 8×10 photo of you in Lynnewood Hall, and a souvenir hard hat to show off to your friends. Personal photography is also permitted.
90-minute small group tour For two people – $2,500.
This spectacular 90-minute tour will take you through the first-floor rooms including the Great Hall, reception room and the grand ballroom. You’ll also tour the Butler’s Pantry, servant stairs, art galleries, private family chambers and family recreational rooms including the billiards and curio rooms. In addition, you’ll enjoy a walk around the main building outside to see the remnants of the gardens and the magnificent front façade. Up to 10 other people may join your tour depending on scheduling demands. Personal photography is also permitted.
90-minute small group tour For individuals – $1,500.
This 90-minute tour, for groups up to 12, will include will take you through the first-floor rooms including the Great Hall, reception room and the grand ballroom. You’ll also tour the Butler’s Pantry, servant stairs, art galleries, private family chambers and family recreational rooms including the billiards and curio rooms. In addition, you’ll enjoy a walk around the main building outside to see the remnants of the gardens and the magnificent front façade. Personal photography is also permitted.
All visitors to Lynnewood Hall will be required to sign a waiver of liability. There are no bathrooms on site, we have one portable toilet available and a handwash station. The building has no climate control and is not currently ADA accessible. All visitors must wear closed toe shoes, and wear a hardhat for the duration of the tour.
Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation Inc, EIN: 83-4474320, has been designated a 501(c)3 charity by the Internal Revenue Service. To arrange donations through a Donor Advised Fund or similar organization, email [email protected].
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is the name given to six minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads for use in commercial and industrial applications. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. For these reasons, asbestos has been used widely in many industries. Additional asbestos-like minerals are found in the natural environment, including erionite.
Asbestos has been mined and used commercially in North America since the late 1800s. Its use increased greatly during World War II. Since then, asbestos has been used in many industries. For example, the building and construction industries have used it for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steam pipes, and hot water pipes. The automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads. Asbestos has also been used in ceiling and floor tiles; paints, coatings, and adhesives; and plastics. In addition, asbestos has been found in vermiculite-containing garden products and some talc-containing crayons.
Is it Dangerous?
People may be exposed to asbestos in their workplace, their communities, or their homes. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems including a form of cancer known as mesothelioma.
Prevention
Reducing exposure to asbestos is the best prevention against asbestosis. In the United States, federal law requires employers in industries that work with asbestos products — such as construction — to take special safety measures.
Many homes, schools and other buildings built before the 1970s have materials such as pipes and floor tiles that contain asbestos. Generally, there’s no risk of exposure if the asbestos is enclosed and undisturbed. It’s when materials containing asbestos are damaged that there’s a danger of asbestos fibers being released into the air and inhaled. Always have asbestos products inspected and repaired or removed by trained and accredited asbestos professionals.
