Grigg-era Photographs2

The photos in this collection come from what the Restoration Department refers to as “the Grigg era” when architect Milton L. Grigg was the architect of record for many of Monticello’s architectural restoration projects (roughly 1935 to the 1960s). Many of these photos date from major restoration work done on the house in the 1940s and 1950s.

Grigg was a member of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation Restoration Committee from 1935 through 1953, and, in consultation with Fiske Kimball, served as the primary architect for the restoration of the South Wing, the North and South Pavilions, and the North Wing.

From November 1953 through February 1954, Grigg directed a major restoration of Monticello’s main house while the estate was closed to visitors. Work focused on reinforcing and replacing floor joists, installing fire suppression and control systems, and improving climate control. Grigg’s late work included restoring the roof in 1955, and stabilizing the Hall ceiling, including replacing the plaster eagle in 1956.