The Henry Ford kindergarten building, now the Richmond Hill History Museum, recently received some much needed preservation work, including the replacement of a leaking roof and rotten wood, along with prepping and painting of the exterior wood siding.

The project was a partnership between the Richmond Hill Historical Society and Magnolia Manor, which owns the building.

“The architecture along Ford Avenue is a direct representation of our history and place. By preserving the Henry Ford era and other historic structures on Bryan Neck, we are able to share the very places which affected so many of our residents before us,” said Christy Sherman, president of Richmond Hill Historical Society. “Aside from the cultural benefits, research shows us that preservation is a powerful tool in sustaining local economy by creating jobs and promoting tourism."

The museum building was built in 1940 by Henry Ford. It was originally intended to serve as a kindergarten for the children of Ways Station/Richmond Hill during the Ford era, and included a kitchen and two large classrooms for children ages 3-6.

Tours of the museum are available Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More preservation projects are underway, such as the Ford Bakery and Ford Firetruck. Donations to the preservation fund can be made at the museum or www.richmondhillhistoricalsociety.com.