Leslie Pielack is a name that is frequently connected to historical preservation in the Orion area, and she recently donned a new hat as executive director and curator of the Scripps Mansion.
‘In essence, my responsibility is to protect and preserve the estate, which consists of the mansion and surrounding grounds,? Pielack said.
‘My position also includes working with the community and helping provide public access, research and raising the badly needed funds to maintain and preserve the mansion and the grounds,? she added.
Since Pielack has taken over the position, one major restoration project started with the removal and repair of a wrought iron gate on the mansion’s grounds. Money is also being raised to restore Mr. Scripps? office, an Aeolian organ and some conservation work on some of the furnishings and architectural metal work in the house.
While restoring and preserving the property are top priorities for Pielack, she also hopes to help bring the mansion and its history to the community.
‘I would like to help the community at large understand what William Scripps was trying to accomplish here and look for creative ways for the public to experience the estate in a way that is consistent with his philosophies and values,? Pielack said.
As a way to accomplish this goal, they have started to offer private high teas, occasional private dinners and public tours on a limited basis. From Dec. 11 to 22, the mansion will host ‘Christmastide at Scripps,? where pre-registered individuals can tour a holiday-decorated mansion (look in an upcoming Review for more information).
‘We are very excited that we will be able to offer Christmas tours this year,? said Pielack.
She added that art exhibits and other special events, including the annual Scripps Days in September, will be held at the estate.
Pielack credits the help she receives from her staff of volunteers in making all the changes and events at the mansion possible.
‘It’s a small but dedicated group with backgrounds in art, architecture, archeology and event planning,? she said.
The group consists of Renee Miron-Alimpich, master gardener and gardens coordinator; Mari-Ann Henry, special events coordinator; Nancy Carty, collections assistant; Ashley Phifer, student intern from Oakland University and collections assistant; and Patti Abate, tea and food provider, as well as caterer for gatherings.
‘They wear a lot of hats,? Pielack said with a laugh, noting that everyone is also a tour docent. ‘That’s going to be a theme here, I think.?
Pielack is working closely with Friends of William E. Scripps Estate, a restoration/preservation arm of Guest House, Inc. The group will be doing a variety of fundraisers from which all proceeds will go directly towards the care of the estate.
‘I would just like to communicate there is so much interest in the mansion, the grounds and the history of the family,? Pielack added. ‘We’re doing everything we can to involve the community and meet that need.?