The Conestoga Wagon, much loved by our visitors and members since the 1960s, is the largest item in the collection of the American Museum & Gardens.
(The wagon in its former glory in front of the American Museum & Gardens)
This type of heavy covered wagon was used extensively during the late 18th and 19th centuries in the Eastern United States and Canada, and is an iconic part of American history. Very few are on display in the world, and ours is the only historic wagon of its kind in the UK.
Exposed to the elements, our wagon has sadly deteriorated over the years, since it was brought from the US to Bath in the 1960s.
We are planning an exciting project to restore our Conestoga Wagon to its former glory, move it to the terrace of the new Children’s Garden, and create an innovative and protective shelter to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
The project will involve local organisations. The design and creation of the shelter is from a Bath-based engineering firm, Format. Timber will be locally sourced and crafted, and our campaign is supported by students at Bath Spa University.The membrane for the shelter will be supplied by the company that made NASA moon flags.
(Digital render by engineering firm Format, showing the new proposed shelter)
Please help us to save this piece of iconic American history and add a new feature to the Children’s Garden for future generations to enjoy.