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18th-century Neapolitan Crèche is an elaborate nativity
scene that contains over a hundred handcarved figures. Besides
the Holy Family and the traditional groups of angels, shepherds
and kings, the Crèche contains animals of every sort
and people of all ages and walks of life, each displaying a
unique response to the newly-born Christ child.
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Crèche, originally given to the abbey by Mrs. Loretta Hines
Howard is fittingly housed in the 18th-century stable that once
belonged to Joseph Bellamy, one of Connecticut's earliest and
most distinguished ministers. The Bellamy barn was a gift to the
abbey from Miss Caroline Ferriday.
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 e are in the midst of an extensive restoration of the Abbey’s 18th-century Neapolitan Crèche. This project is being undertaken by a team of curators and conservators from the Metropolitan Museum of Art whose mission is to ensure that the religious, cultural, social and historical significance of this masterpiece is preserved for the public in perpetuity.
We are restoring each of the 68 figures as well as their original costumes. This is a long and meticulous work through which there is much to be learned about costume and textile history. We are also restoring the intricate Neapolitan cork village that surrounds the collection.
A new fiber optic lighting system will offer visitors the opportunity to fully appreciate the magnificent detail of the figures and the exquisite construction of their 18th-century garments.
In order to provide a safe, mold-free and moisture-free environment for the Crèche collection, we have also been working with a local contractor on the restoration of the 18th-century barn that houses the collection.
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We are working hard to be able to re-open the Crèche, beloved of so many
visitors over the past 60 years, in time for Christmas, 2008.
Tax-deductible donations to the Abbey’s Crèche restoration project
are very gratefully accepted.
  
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