Heron to fly as cupola returns to Wellfleet Preservation Hall Monday, August 2nd

Restored cupola with new blue heron sculpture to return to historic building

The heron sculpture by sculptor Del Filardi will adorn the newly restored cupola. Photo courtesy of Wellfleet Preservation Hall.

The historic cupola – enhanced by a Blue Heron sculpture - will once again appear atop Wellfleet Preservation Hall on Main Street in Wellfleet. On Monday, August 2 the cupola will return to the building.  The cupola was removed to be fully repaired and restored while the initial phase of renovation of the nearly 100 year old building in the center of downtown Wellfleet took place.

Now that the building itself (formerly Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and soon to be the home of Wellfleet’s new community cultural center) has been stabilized, the cupola will resume its rightful place as an icon of historic significance and now as a symbol of the revitalization of Wellfleet’s downtown.

The cupola from the original building will be topped by a new Blue Heron sculpture created and donated by well-known Wellfleet sculptor Del Filardi.  Filardi says that when the blue heron flies over Preservation Hall, she expects the spirit of good luck the bird symbolizes to fill the new cultural center.  The heron is Filardi’s favorite bird to sculpt because of its graceful beauty and animated spirit.  “Native Americans knew that where you found the heron, you found the fish. And its symbol as good luck has continued through the centuries.”  What could be more pertinent for Wellfleet!

Acella Construction Corporation, the builders chosen by WPH Board of Directors to restore the building will raise the cupola and place the heron. All are invited to come by and see it fly.

Courtesy of Wellfleet Preservation Hall.