Connecticut Attorney General's Office
Press Release
Attorney General Says New Haven Historical Society Must Return Money Intended To Preserve Historic Home
September 18, 2009
Blumenthal investigated the management of the Pardee-Morris House by the historical society after receiving complaints from neighborhood residents about increasing signs of poor maintenance and neglect.
The investigation found that the historical society allowed the home to fall into disrepair as it sought state funding for renovations in recent years.
Blumenthal said the historical society recently made strong efforts to repair the damage, but must invest another $30,000 over the next four years, and establish a clear record-keeping system to demonstrate that trust income is properly invested in the home going forward.
"The New Haven Colony Historical Society has rightly reclaimed a monument to New Haven's history -- but more must be done," Blumenthal said. "The Pardee-Morris home has received a second chance at survival, spared from further neglect, and now must receive consistent continuing care.
"Preservation requires $30,000 in restitution over the next four years, as well as robust financial record-keeping demonstrating this mandatory maintenance.
"The historical society has a moral and legal duty to honor the Pardee Trust and preserve fragile remnants of New Haven history. I commend the historical society for recognizing its responsibility and renewing efforts to maintain this home. I look forward to continued cooperation to ensure that maintenance and preservation of the Pardee-Morris home is honored."
The late William S. Pardee gifted the house to the historical society upon his death, with the direction that it be maintained and operated as an historical monument, community center, and library. The 18th-century home was built out of the ruins of another that was burned by British troops in 1779.
Pardee also left the residue of his estate in trust and directed that 25 percent of the income from the trust be distributed to the historical society for the maintenance and operation of the Pardee-Morris House.
Over the past 10 years, the historical society has received an average of $28,000 per year from the Pardee Trust.
Blumenthal said the historical society properly used the trust income to maintain the property for many years, even though it has not been open to the public due to needed repairs.
Despite years of proper maintenance, those efforts sharply diminished in 2007 and 2008 when the organization shifted its focus and invested Pardee Trust money in an attempt to secure state funding to restore the house. The house maintenance was neglected during this time -- the grounds overgrown and damaged by vandals -- and the state funding never materialized due to economic decline.
The historical society, responding to complaints and Blumenthal's investigation, has recently reinvigorated efforts to restore the house and grounds.