Maryland State House dome to be repainted

Associated Press//May 9, 2011//

Listen to this article

ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland State House dome will be getting a paint job and some window work.

The Department of General Services announced the plans on Monday. The work began on May 1.

Modern paint coatings used in recent years have failed on the 222-year-old dome. The coatings will be removed while the historic oil-based coatings will be preserved. Dome windows also will be restored.

J. Rodney Little, director of the Maryland Historical Trust, says caretakers are constantly amazed how much of the early fabric of the building survives. He says many areas on the exterior of the dome retain the original cypress shingles that were installed in 1785.

Sam Cook, special assistant to the secretary of the department, said the project is scheduled to be finished Oct. 31.

Tags: Department of General Services, maryland, Annapolis, maryland historical trust, state house

Select Region or Brand