This year, the Townsend Historical Society proudly completed the “Brushstrokes of the Past” project at the Reed Homestead, preserving the historic murals of Rufus Porter. In June 2025, artist Susan Leach recreated Porter’s monochromatic murals on the parlor walls, a project funded by CFNCM to stabilize and restore these unique pieces of American art.

While the public cannot visit the homestead yet due to extensive renovations elsewhere in the Homestead, CFNCM staff, Steve Adams and Meghan Maceiko, recently had the opportunity to tour the completed murals. 

This upstairs bedroom holds a full-color mural in near- perfect condition one of the finest surviving examples of Rufus Porter's wall paintings.

The project not only met its restoration goals but exceeded expectations. Originally aimed at repairing damaged murals, the historical society team, in consultation with the Center for Painted Wall Preservation, undertook the more ambitious task of preserving the originals by mounting them behind recreated panels. A small section of the original mural remains exposed, allowing visitors to see the contrast between the historic work and the new recreation.

With the murals now beautifully preserved and the story of Rufus Porter brought to life for a new generation, everyone can soon experience this remarkable blend of history and artistry—where the past isn’t just remembered, it’s vividly restored.

The completed section of Susan Leach's mural blends seamlessly with what remains of the original, visible to the left. The alignment of the horizon line honors Rufus Porter's landscape and helps viewers visually connect the past with the present.

Contact Meghan Maceiko to learn more about our grant opportunities.