Building Overview
DERBY LINE, VT AND STANSTEAD, QC
Located in Derby Line, Vermont, the Haskell Free Library and Opera House is one of the most unique public buildings in North America. Built intentionally on the border between the United States and Canada, the building has two addresses, two phone numbers, and a single stage that straddles two nations, literally. The main reading room is in Canada, while the entrance and opera house seating lie in the United States. During the project, our team often ‘crossed the border’ for lunch!
Renovation Focus
Mural conservation and plaster stabilization inside the Opera House
Plaster Magic® Solution
Stabilized the wall murals using precision adhesive reattachment
In-filled small areas of plaster loss for seamless visual repair
Cleaned the proscenium arch using conservation-grade soap
Preserving Art Across Borders
The Haskell project is a remarkable example of how historic preservation can navigate not only architectural challenges but international ones. Plaster Magic® helped protect a shared cultural treasure with methods that honored the artistry, structure, and story, while honoring the unique setting of the international border.
