The Saint-Gaudens Memorial is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1919 by the State of New Hampshire to promote the legacy of the great American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848–1907) and to preserve his home, studios, gardens, and artworks in Cornish. The trustees operated the property as a museum from 1927 until 1964, when they donated it to the federal government. To this day, the Saint-Gaudens Memorial serves as an active partner of, and advocate for, the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park. We sponsor public programs that promote awareness of Saint-Gaudens, the lasting legacy of his work, and the creative arts both past and present.
The Saint-Gaudens Memorial promotes the life and work of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907), champions the creative arts and artists, past and present, and partners with the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish, New Hampshire, to enrich its cultural offerings and natural setting.
A living memorial
After Augustus Saint-Gaudens died in 1907, his widow, Augusta, set out to keep his home and studios in Cornish as a living memorial. Saint-Gaudens Memorial was incorporated in 1919 to care for the property and artworks and to teach visitors about the arts.
Open to the public
Our trustees opened the property to the public as a museum in 1927 and ran it for the next 37 years. Rotating exhibitions began in 1948 and the Sunday concerts in 1952, and both continue today.
A gift to the nation
In 1964 our trustees gave the property, including its buildings, land, and artworks, to the United States for public ownership. Their aim was to better ensure its care and free us to focus on our broader mission. In 1965 Congress established the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, now Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park.
An independent partner
We are still an independent nonprofit, with our own charter, board, and finances, and we work closely with the National Park Service. The Park Service maintains the property. We fund and sponsor the public programs offered there and advocate for the Park, carrying on the goals of our 1919 charter.
Each year the Saint-Gaudens Memorial sponsors a summer concert series in the Little Studio and art exhibitions in the Picture Gallery. We also underwrite an artist’s fellowship and diverse educational programs, and contribute toward the acquisition and conservation of the park’s art collections.
Saint-Gaudens Memorial
139 Saint-Gaudens Road
Cornish, NH 03745
(603) 287-3727
[email protected]
Photography by Don Freeman
The Saint-Gaudens Memorial, incorporated in 1919, and the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park enjoy a unique partnership centered on promoting the legacy of Augustus Saint-Gaudens. In 1964, the Memorial donated the property, including the grounds, buildings and works of art, to the United States for public ownership. The following year, U.S. Congress passed legislation conveying it to the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, as the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, now the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park. A place of extraordinary character and beauty, it is the only unit of the National Park Service devoted to an American artist with substantial art holdings, and the only national park in New Hampshire. The National Park Service maintains and manages the park, which draws some 40,000 visitors each year. The Saint-Gaudens Memorial initiates, sponsors, and funds programs offered at the park for the benefit of the public.
Visit the NPS website for more information or to plan your visit.