The Rosewell Foundation has postponed the usual April opening at the site of the historic ruins in Gloucester County due to the coronavirus, said Marilyn Iglesias, foundation secretary.

“While we are disappointed at the delay, we have begun much needed repairs, remodeling and cleaning at the ruins site and the Visitor Center,” Iglesias said.

In the meantime, the foundation is asking public help.

“We are in the process of a remodel and update in our visitor center,” and the foundation hopes to include a wall of early photos of Rosewell, Iglesias said. “They can be of a personal nature such as people connected to the property or on-site, or ones of the magnificent structure itself before it burned in 1916. So, while we all are spending lots of time in seclusion at home, it might be a fine time to look through those photos we all have tucked away and see if you can find any photos that we could display to add to the fascinating story of Rosewell.”

Recent work at the ruins included pruning of shrubs and bushes with the debris piled up for hauling away. At the center, the bathrooms have been newly painted and deep cleaned, with new fixtures added in compliance with guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Iglesias said.

In addition, the carpet in the exhibit section has been cleaned and display walls are on order which will give that section the feel of a real museum, she said. Glass display cases known as vitrines are on their way, “which will enable us to display some of the hundreds of artifacts that have been in storage for decades and are now being cleaned and cataloged,” Iglesias said.

The Education Center has undergone a renovation with new flooring and paint. A small area is being added to provide storage for and access to educational supplies for students who come to study on-site as part of their Virginia history requirements. Also, the gift shop is being stocked with new and different items as well as seeing the return of the most popular souvenirs, books, hats and T-shirts, Iglesias said.

Developments in the offing bring hope for more visitors, said Iglesias. “We are eagerly awaiting the opening of the Middle Peninsula State Park, which also has been delayed, and the opportunity it will provide for us to share the story of Rosewell with an even greater audience.”

She said updates on this year’s opening will be issued. For more information, call 804-693-2585.