Preservation Work Begins On Nakashima Family House In Bucks

NEW HOPE, PA — The Nakashima Foundation for Peace is launching a major preservation initiative for the Nakashima Family House, the home that master woodworker, architect, and designer George Nakashima built in New Hope in 1946, just one year after World War II ended.

The preservation effort marks an important milestone in safeguarding the legacy of one of America’s most celebrated designers and his philosophy of peace through craft. The Family House became the heart of a remarkable place. It was where George lived with wife Marion and raised their two children, Mira and Kevin, where his ideas were crafted into wood, and where the Nakashima legacy was born.

Built by hand in 1946 by George Nakashima, the House stands as a masterwork of mid-20th-century design and a living expression of his philosophy of harmony between nature, craft, and humanity. Nearly 80 years later, the original materials and environmental systems are increasingly vulnerable to age, climate stress, and humidity fluctuations, placing both the structure and the irreplaceable collections inside at risk. This project addresses those urgent needs, ensuring that the House, designated a National Historic Landmark (2014), remains an enduring site of inspiration, education, and peace for generations to come.

The Nakashima Family House, 1949. © Ezra Stoller/Esto

The project follows the successful completion of an intensive planning phase, funded by grants from National Trust for Historic Preservation and Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, which earned the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia’s 2025 Preservation Achievement Award. This phase included the development of a comprehensive Historic Structure Report in collaboration with experts from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate Program in Historic
Preservation, documenting the house’s architecture, condition, and cultural significance to guide its long-term care.

Upcoming Public Symposium

On November 15–16, the Nakashima Foundation for Peace will host a two-day symposium at the Nakashima compound in New Hope focusing on the challenges and strategies of preserving the Nakashima Family House and other mid-20th-century landmarks.

The symposium will feature presentations and panel discussions with the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate Program in Historic Preservation experts, including the team who led the creation of the Historic Structure Report. Topics will include:

• Architectural Documentation and Analysis – Capturing changes in the house over time
• Environmental Systems and Material Conservation – Addressing climate risks and aging systems
• Mid-Century Modern Preservation Challenges – Lessons learned from the Nakashima site and beyond
• Integrating Cultural Values into Preservation Planning – Honoring Nakashima’s philosophy of peace and craftsmanship

Participants will have the opportunity to tour the Nakashima property, including spaces rarely open to the public, and view archival materials that informed the preservation plan. The event will include a roundtable discussion on innovative preservation practices and sustainability for heritage sites.

Registration for the symposium is open by clicking here. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Tickets for day one are $125 and tickets for day two are $150.

Fundraising Campaign Launched

To make the next phase of preservation possible, the Nakashima Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign to support critical environmental upgrades and repairs to the House recommended in the Historic Structure Report. Contributions will help ensure the integrity of the building and preserve the craftsmanship and history embodied in every detail. Donations can be made at https://nakashimafoundation.org/honor-a-legacy.

To learn about additional special events and educational activities presented in support of the preservation initiative, visit https://nakashimafoundation.org.