The Restoration
In 2006, the Lexington Historical Society retained preservation architect Deane Rykerson and architectural historian Anne Grady to conduct an in-depth study of the structural history of the Hancock-Clarke House, document its current condition, and develop a restoration master plan. This study was funded by grants from the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund and the Town of Lexington Community Preservation Act Fund. One important finding of the study is that the house was built in 1737–8, rather than prior to 1700 as had been previously thought.

The restoration plan has five important components:

• Structural – Weaknesses in the structural supports for the house will be addressed, including strengthening the connection between the two main sections of the house, repair of deteriorated members, and stabilizing deficiencies in the framing;
• Building Envelope - Inappropriate roofing on the gable section of the house (asbestos composite cement shingles installed in the 1930s) will be replaced with period-appropriate roofing. The basement area housing documents and artifacts will be refurbished to address serious deficiencies in the building envelope, flashing and waterproofing details will be upgraded, and nineteenth century gutters and downspouts will be restored to provide protection;
• Accessibility – Full wheelchair accessibility that is code compliant will be provided using period-appropriate walks and landscape elements, with access provided throughout the first floor without impairment to the historic fabric. An accessible bathroom will be added to the program area, where provision will be made for a virtual tour of the second floor;
• Historic Fabric – The exterior will be painted to match the oldest known color, interior shutters will be restored, and reproduction wallpaper installed in the Hancock/Adams guest chamber. Deteriorated exterior sheathing, clapboards and trim will be repaired or replaced in-kind and inappropriate past treatments will be repaired. Concrete slabs and utility equipment will be removed from the exterior.
• Systems – Integrated climate control will replace the current hodgepodge of systems to provide a museum-quality indoor environment. An up to date, more effective and less visible fire suppression system will replace one installed in the 1920s, and a more effective fire-detection system will be installed. Unsafe electrical circuits will be replaced with code-compliant circuits and fixtures.

The restoration is expected to cost $1.3 million. The Society is currently raising funds for the project and plans to begin construction in March 2008.