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Art Auction: "The Legacy View"

The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock, North Carolina was hit hard by Hurricane Helene. The park’s grounds and 174-year-old infrastructure were devastated. The park is now closed indefinitely.

Our October 6 art auction fundraiser was cancelled. By a gracious offer from the Junior Service League of St. Augustine, the five oil paintings are now included in their 2024 gala and silent auction.

Proceeds from the sale of these paintings will allow Sandburg’s philanthropic partner, The Friends of Carl Sandburg, to continue its mission of support in this unique time of need by American’s first national site dedicated to a writer.

We gratefully appreciate your support through the purchase of these paintings of iconic images at Connemara, Sandburg’s final home.

Board of Directors,

The Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara

November update following Hurricane Helene

Efforts continue to safely reopen Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site after the impact of Hurricane Helene. While many positive steps have been taken, there is much work left to do before the park can safely reopen to the public. Saw crews have been able to cut over 50 downed and hazard trees from Carl Sandburg Lane and park trails. The next step is to remove the debris and a contract for debris removal is set to begin soon. Hurricane Helene also washed out two pedestrian bridges along Front Lake trail and severely eroded the banks on which the bridges sat. This repair is the park’s top priority so the Front Lake trail and parking lot can reopen. Without this trail there is no way to access the park from the Front Lake parking lot. This lot is the main parking area for most of the site’s 150,000 annual visitors. Front Lake dam and bridge suffered further destruction by Hurricane Helene. The new damage is substantial, and repairs will take a long time.

Park staff have begun to fill in minor washouts along trails throughout the park. There are some trails that experienced significant washout from the volume of water running downhill and will need more advanced inspection and repair before they are safe for use. After washouts have been repaired and debris has been removed from park grounds, parking lots, and 5 miles of trails, the park will bring in portable restrooms and hand washing stations, as the park’s main sewer pipe is broken. The pipe supported most of the park and water has been temporarily shut off until contractors can begin repairs. The sewer line repairs are one of the park’s top priorities.

Please follow the park’s Facebook page or nps.gov/carl for updates.

Tom Avery, Visitor Services Manager

Carl Sandburg Home NHS

Thank You to...

Our many supporters both individuals and businesses who are committed to the Friends’ mission. They, through farsightedness and generosity, seek to ensure that the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site will continue to be available for future generations.

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Art Auction: "The Legacy View"

November update following Hurricane Helene

Thank You to...

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