During a 2013 restoration of Montpelier Mansion in South Laurel, Maryland, more than 4,000 historical artifacts were unearthed, shedding new light onto the daily lives of the people who lived there. Many of the artifacts were sent to the Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park after being cleaned and cataloged.
The 13 remaining artifacts were recently incorporated into a new exhibit at the remodeled mansion. The items have been placed on shelves beside four interactive columns. These columns explain the history of the mansion and its owners, as well as providing a glossary of terms and photographic overview of the restoration. The artifacts on the shelves are dated, but unlabeled, and visitors who are unable to guess their identity will find the answer beneath a flip-down panel.
The exhibit of Montpelier’s artifacts is open every day except Wednesday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and will run through April 30th.
Montpelier Mansion isn’t the only famous estate being restored. Al Capone’s family retreat in Miami has been recently purchased and is currently undergoing renovations of its own. Featuring three houses, a 30-ft by 60-ft pool, and an outdoor pond, the retreat is an example of Prohibition-era opulence.
When purchased, mud and water had piled up under the foundations, wood floors were caving in, and some of the exterior stucco was rotting. The new owners brought the building up to code, installing a ventilation system, new roof, and drainage system, while keeping the original 1920s windows, fireplaces, and ceiling lights.
Capone and his family spent many winters in Miami, visiting greyhound and Thoroughbred racetracks, shopping, and spending time at various nightclubs. The Miami manor was even part of Capone’s alibi regarding the St. Valentine’s Day massacre in Chicago in 1929. In 1931, Capone was convicted of tax evasion and sent to prison.
Part of his sentence was served in Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary, where he continued to live in luxury with a cabinet radio, Oriental rugs, and often, an open door. Because the best way to preserve an Oriental rug is to protect it from sunlight and humidity, Capone’s rugs can be seen in good condition at the penitentiary to this day.
Capone was transferred to Alcatraz in 1934, and was released in 1939. From Alcatraz, he returned to his mansion in Miami, where he died in 1947. The new owner intends to rent out the waterfront property for use as movie, commercial, and photo sets.
Photos belong to PG County Department of Parks and Recreation