Stonehenge Memorial Monument Conservation Project

This week, Maryhill staff, trustees, and volunteers visited the State Capital in Olympia, WA during Arts, Heritage, and Science Week to request support for conservation of the Stonehenge Memorial Monument, located on museum property three miles east of the art museum. The structure, erected as the first WWI monument in the United State of America, is nearly 100 years old and is suffering from surface deterioration on the top lintels due to environmental wear over time.

What is the History of the Stonehenge Memorial?

Erected as the nation’s first WWI memorial and dedicated in 1918 to the servicemen of Klickitat County, Washington, who died in the service of their country during the Great War, Hill’s Stonehenge Memorial is a monument to heroism and peace.

Hill erroneously believed that the original Stonehenge was constructed as a place of human sacrifice. Concluding there was a parallel between the loss of life in WWI and the sacrifices at ancient Stonehenge, he set out to build a replica on the cliffs of the Columbia as a reminder of those sacrifices and the “incredible folly” of the war.

Guided by leading authorities on archaeology, astronomy, and engineering, Hill combined their knowledge to duplicate, as nearly as possible, the original size and design of the ancient Neolithic ruin in England. The monument was completed and rededicated in 1929.

Learn more about the history of the Stonehenge Memorial Monument at Maryhill Museum of Art here >>

Stonehenge addition to the National Registry of Historic Places and Conservation Assessment

In early 2020, Architectural Resources Group completed a conservation assessment of Stonehenge Memorial and outlined their recommendations for future preservation of the Memorial. A Safety Assessment was conducted in 2023 to ensure that the monument would be safe for visitors while the museum explored funding possibilities for conservation measures. A number of donors made the initial steps of the preservation effort possible, including Architectural Resources Group (ARG), BNSF Foundation, the Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation, Kinsman Foundation, Klickitat County Historical Preservation Funds, Larry and Constance Olson in memory of Ray and Beth Olson, and private donors.

ARG subsequently prepared a recommendation for the monument to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register records the tangible reminders of the history of the United States and is the official repository for documentation of cultural resources worthy of preservation.

(watch a talk about Stonehenge’s history and preservation efforts, co-hosted by Maryhill Museum of Art and Architectural Resources Group in 2021)

What steps must be taken to conserve the Stonehenge Memorial Monument?

To conserve the Stonehenge Memorial Monument, three steps must be taken so that the site can safely welcome visitors over the next century of its use:

1. Emergency Stabilization: Remove any unsound materials at the lintels of the outer ring, trilithons, and freestanding columns, including cracking and spalling concrete cappings (which had been added at a later time).
2. Preventative Stabilization: Treat the tops of the lintels and columns where unsound materials have been removed and provide a new permanent “capping” that will prevent further water damage.
3. Restoration Treatment: Build the forms back up to their original dimensions and treat all remaining surfaces of the memorial to protect it from further decay.

How much will it cost to conserve Stonehenge Memorial Monument?

The total estimated cost of the capital project to repair Stonehenge Memorial Monument is approximately $1,500,000. This urgent conservation project, if completed in 2025-2027, will protect and preserve the monument for visitors over the next hundred years. An estimated 40,000 visitors come to this location annually for picnics, reunions, weddings, astronomy, cultural events, and remembrance. The Klickitat County Veterans Memorial is situated adjacent to Stonehenge and these monuments are an important site for ceremonies remembering the heroism and sacrifice of veterans.

Asking the WA State Legislature for support

Maryhill Museum of Art cannot complete the conservation of the Stonehenge Memorial Monument with its existing financial resources alone. After exploring many funding possibilities, the greatest chance for substantial support of this urgent capital project comes from our state. Museum leadership are meeting with State Senators and Representatives during the 2025 legislative session to request support for this project in the Capital Projects budget.

Washington residents can help us underline our case for support by contacting their legislative district in February 2025 and letting them know how important this project is. Visit Washington State Legislature to find contact information for your district’s Senator and Representatives and reference “Stonehenge Memorial Monument Conservation Project – Maryhill Museum of Art.”