Newbold-White House, Hertford's Colonial Quaker home-turned-museum, could close its doors unless more donations are received.

Chris Lane, president of the Perquimans County Restoration Association, the agency that operates the landmark, said this week that it takes about $100,000 a year to keep the house open to the public. The Restoration Association is currently about $25,000 short of that mark, she said.

File photo (ENLARGE)

The Newbold-White House, Hertford's Colonial Quaker home-turned-museum, may have to close its doors due to a lack of funding. The Perquimans County Restoration Association is $25,000 short of a $100,000 mark to keep the landmark open.

"It's very difficult taking care of small museums," Lane said. "We have to rely on our events and our donors."

Lane said the $100,000 only pays to maintain the facility and pay its staff. It does not include money for expansion or additional expenses. The Newbold-White House has some possible termite damage and is in need roof repairs, she said.

According to Lane, the Restoration Association does not receive state funding to operate the Newbold-White House. In addition, donations to the landmark's upkeep have been down.

"To think the doors may be closed... that just breaks my heart," she said.

Built by Abraham Sanders on the Perquimans River in 1730, the Newbold-White House is the oldest brick house in North Carolina.

According to the Newbold-White House's Web site, the first White to own the house was Nancy Sanders White, from about 1799 to 1832. The first Newbold to own the house was John Henry Newbold, who owned it from 1943-1949. His family sold it to the Restoration Association in 1973.

The 18th-century landmark includes a Quaker gravesite, a seasonal herb garden, a vineyard, a recently added smokehouse and the Periauger, a replica of a Colonial workboat.

In addition to monetary donations, Lane said the house could benefit from more volunteers and additional period furniture from 1720 to 1750. She said the grounds, which sit on 163 acres, are also in desperate need of a tractor.

"We need all the help we can get," Lane said, adding that she is thankful for what volunteers and donors are able to contribute.

For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, call Sarah Weeks at 252-426-5123 or visit newboldwhitehouse.org.