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Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Sitesepia colored photograph of Carl Sandburg's eyes; photographer unknown; circa 1920's
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Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Management
 

About the Park
Date Authorized: Oct. 17, 1968 (Public Law 90-592)
Superintendent: Connie Backlund
Phone: (828) 693-4178

Mission
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Carl Sandburg and communicating the stories of his works, life and significance as an American poet, writer, historian, biographer of Abraham Lincoln, and social activist. The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site preserves and interprets the farm, Connemara, where Sandburg and his family lived for the last 22 years of his life (1945-1967)

Purpose of the Park:
The following statements describe the primary reasons why the park was created. They influence management priorities and are central to decisions about how the park should be developed and managed.

The purpose of Carl Sanburg Home NHS is:

  • To carry on the legacy of Carl Sandburg’s works and life for the benefit of future generations through preservation, interpretation, education and inspiration.
  • To preserve Carl Sandburg’s last home, associated structures and landscape, original furnishings, personal belongings, and library.

Significance of the Park:
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is significant because:

  • It is the site where one of America’s most versatile and recognized writers completed a literary career that captured and recorded America’s traditions, struggles, and dreams in his poetry, histories, biographies, novels, and folk songs. Sandburg relentlessly advocated for social justice and his writings reflect a deep respect for people as individuals.
  • The home, associated buildings, farm scene, wooded hills, and gardens of Connemara embody the presence of Carl Sandburg more vividly than any other place he lived.
  • The museum collection which preserves Carl Sandburg’s personal belongings, furnishings, farm equipment, library, and papers, provides a unique and rare perspective of this American author’s lifestyle, philosophy, intellectual pursuits, and life experiences.
 
Historic Furnishings Report Addendum

Historic Furnishings Report Addendum and Update
Explore the historic furnishings in the Sandburg Home. This updates the original 1984 furnishings report. (5.9mb .pdf)  more...

Carl Sandburg Home General Management Plan
General Manangement Plan
Explore the park's planning document (8.5mb .pdf)
more...
Historic Structure Report for Main House
Historic Structure Report for Main House
Explore the historic Sandburg Home (27mb .pdf)
more...
Historic Structure Report for Swedish House
Historic Structure Report for Swedish House
Explore the Historic Swedish House (10mb .pdf)
more...
Historic Structure Report for Wash House
Historic Structure Report for Wash House
Explore the Historic Wash House (1.8mb .pdf)
more...
Carl Sandburg's home in the mid-summer  

Did You Know?
Carl Sandburg was not the only notable American to live in this stately home. German born Christopher Memminger(1803-1888), Secretary of the Treasury for the Confederate Army from 1861-1864, had this home built in 1838 to escape malaria ridden Charleston, SC summers and 1860's war-torn Charleston.

Last Updated: April 08, 2008 at 08:56 EST