Restoration on the Dwight-Derby house started shortly after the property was purchased by the Town of Medfield in 1996. The house had a cellar, first floor, second floor, attic and breezeway that needed to be restored to a historic site and public museum. The effort to maintain the house today is ongoing.
 

1998–1999 Home Restorations

• Repointed top 18” of entire foundation
• Replaced 80% of sills with new, 8” diameter oak beams
• Repaired studs and posts where damaged by rot, termites and carpenter ants
• Reshingled roof
• Rebuilt chimney from attic up; topped with bluestone to reduce rain infiltration
• Built new bulkhead
• Restored front door surround and built replica of existing door
• Installed gutters and downspouts
• Repaired or replaced damaged window frames and house trim
• Shored up cellar stairs and installed structural supports under 17th century parlor
• Removed, numbered, restored and replaced shingles
• Regraded around foundation to lower ground surface and directed runoff away from house

2001 Breezeway Restorations

The original breezeway was a shack-like structure with a slab floor and open areas exposed to the elements. The structure was rebuilt with a new space that could house a handicap-accessible bathroom, an exhibit hall and a meeting space. In 2001 this structure was completed and later named “Derby Hall.”

2020 Butler’s Pantry Restorations 
          

Updated Butler’s Pantry: painted cabinets, restored hardware to original finish, installed new sink, faucet and cabinet, refrigerator and stove.