Of Hampton’s 45,000-object collection, the Erard harp is a unique treasure. Most closely associated with the Thomas Sully painting “Lady With a Harp” (1818) which contributed to the preservation of Hampton and creation of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Eliza Ridgely received this harp crafted by internationally renowned harp and piano maker Sebastian Erard. In 1828, Eliza Ridgely married John Ridgely and brought the harp to Hampton’s music room where it has stood ever since.  Now, as part of Hampton National Historic Site’s museum collection, it is one of the oldest surviving double-action pedal harps in the United States and may be the oldest currently on exhibit at a museum.  

Over its long life, the harp gradually fell into disrepair. Flawed restoration work to the surface decoration in 1975 unintentionally caused additional problems over time. The strings were loosened to prevent major damage which the high tension can cause to an antique harp, but the instrument’s age, environment, and lessened tension led to column warping and other condition issues that needed to be addressed.

National Park Service curatorial staff at Hampton recognized that professional conservation work was greatly needed and identified specialized musical instrument conservators working in New York City. After examination, conservators submitted detailed treatment proposals in 2016. With the encouragement and support of local professional harpists, Hampton's partner Historic Hampton Inc. raised funds from private sources to pay for the necessary conservation treatment, which began in 2019. Although the work was delayed by the pandemic, treatment was completed early this year, and the expertly and meticulously restored harp has at last returned to its home in the Music Room at Hampton National Historic Site.

Original source can be found here.