The Jamestown Community Foundation recently awarded a $2,000 grant to the Stutsman County Memorial Museum to assist with the restoration of a mural and a portrait of the original owner of the home. Front row, left-right: Emily Bivins, Director, Jamestown Chamber/Tourism; Allison Limke, Tourism manager; Paulette Ritter and Shirley Jackson, Community Foundation board members. Back row, left-right: Alden Kollman and Mike Rudy, Museum board members and Kirk Heim, Community Foundation board member. (Photo Submitted)

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Community Foundation has awarded a $2,000 grant to the Stutsman County Memorial Museum to support the restoration of a mural in the museum’s main dining room, a media release states. The museum has partnered with the Midwest Art Conservation Center to restore the 80-square-foot mural, which encircles the upper walls of the original mansion’s dining area.

The mural, a cherished representation of the Black Forest, was commissioned by George Lutz, the home’s builder and first resident. The artwork served as a daily reminder of Lutz’s German heritage, but over time, it has darkened and become difficult to appreciate fully. Alongside the mural, the museum is also restoring a portrait of Lutz, who lived in the mansion with his family.

Restoration efforts will involve cleaning, repair, and preservation of the mural using best conservation practices. The Stutsman County Memorial Museum is a local treasure, housing countless historical artifacts, textiles, and documents relevant to Jamestown and Stutsman County’s heritage. Open daily in the summer, the museum provides tours and offers access to archival resources, aiming to engage visitors of all ages in local history.

The museum is located at 321 Historic 3rd Ave SE in Jamestown. Contributions to support their efforts can be sent to P.O. Box 1002, Jamestown, ND.

The Jamestown Community Foundation continues to support community initiatives like these. For information about the Foundation’s grants and programs, visit www.ndcf.net and navigate to the Jamestown Community Foundation page, or contact Barb Lang at 701-320-4570. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 2004, Jamestown, ND 58402.