Winterthur recently presented the Henry Francis du Pont Award to Judith and the late John Herdeg, in recognition of their longtime support of the decorative arts and their commitment to collecting, research, and philanthropic leadership in the field.

“This award is Winterthur’s highest honor, and it is made with considerable care,” said Chris Strand, Interim CEO of Winterthur. “There are no two individuals more deserving than John and Judy, who have meant so much to Winterthur and so much to the community of collectors and supporters of the decorative arts.”

The Herdegs’ shared passion started in 1963 with the reconstruction and restoration of the William Peters House, a 1750s Georgian brick structure, which, through their efforts, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They spent their lives collecting, furnishing, and decorating it with 18th-century New England furniture, English ceramics, American paintings, and 17th- and 18th-century needlework. Their love of 18th-century design expanded into the landscape surrounding their house with an emphasis on native flora and plants introduced before 1775.

At Winterthur, John served on the Board of Trustees for 50 years, including as Chair of the Board from 1977 to 1986. Judy has served for many years on the Collections Committee and was instrumental in bringing the Delaware Antiques Show to Winterthur, serving in various leadership roles for more than 40 years. They generously donated more than 150 museum objects to the museum and numerous gifts to the library.

They have been active members of many other historical organizations committed to the preservation and celebration of American history. John served as trustee at Historic Deerfield, Inc., in Massachusetts, among other organizations. Judy was a regent of Gunston Hall Plantation in Virginia for 12 years. She served as first regent for five of those years, during which she oversaw a re-focusing of the collection to highlight George Mason’s life. Judy also oversaw the planning, construction, and fundraising for the George Mason Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

John and Judy researched their collection, travelling to both American and British historic sites, societies, and libraries to conduct research. John was the author of several scholarly articles, including “Son of Whom? A Collector’s Journey” and “The Story of a Serendipitous Find” as well as a forthcoming book, The Stories They Tell…from the Herdeg Collection. Judy is a member of the Embroiderers Guild of America. Her research into 17th- and 18th-century needlework has resulted in impressive reproductions of historic pieces and the design and stitch of a reproduction 17th-century English raised-work casket.

The award celebrates the vision and genius of Henry Francis du Pont, creator of Winterthur, the great American country estate, by recognizing individuals who have made contributions of national significance to the knowledge, preservation, and enjoyment of American decorative arts, architecture, landscape design, and gardens, du Pont’s genius and legacy are honored.

Previous Recipients
2016—Morrison H. Heckscher
2013—John L. & Marjorie P. McGraw
2007—George A. “Frolic” Weymouth
2003—Francis H. Cabot
2002—Linda H. Kaufman & George M. Kaufman
2001—William H. Frederick, Jr.
1999—Nancy Goslee Power
1999—Ralph Emerson Carpenter
1998—Abbott Lowell Cummings
1996—Israel Sack & sons Harold, Albert, and Robert
1994—Wendell D. Garrett
1992—Clement E. Conger
1990—Alice Winchester
1989—Frank Liipfert Horton
1986—Pamela Cunningham Copeland
1984—Bertram K. Little & Nina Fletcher Little

ABOUT WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN & LIBRARY
Winterthur—known worldwide for its preeminent collection of American decorative arts, naturalistic garden, and research library for the study of American art and material culture—offers a variety of tours, exhibitions, programs, and activities throughout the year. Admission includes the Winterthur garden, galleries, and a museum tour (by reservation).


Winterthur, located on Route 52, six miles northwest of Wilmington, Delaware, and five miles south of U.S. Route 1, is closed on Mondays (except during Yuletide), Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Winterthur is committed to accessible programming for all. For information, including special services, call 800.448.3883, or visit winterthur.org.


For the most updated information about Covid safety protocols, visit winterthur.org/faq.

Contact: Mark Nardone
Mnardone@winterthur.org
302.888.4803 O 302.500.2559 M