Recently, an important step forward was taken to protect and preserve the Justus O’Hage, M.D. Memorial—an historic monument that has long stood as a tribute to public service, health, and civic leadership in Saint Paul.
Following a professional condition assessment conducted by KCI Conservation, a comprehensive treatment plan is now in place to address deterioration to both the monument’s masonry and its historic bronze memorial panel. With funding from The Minnesota Historical Society, this work marks a meaningful transition from documentation to action, ensuring the memorial can be properly cared for and sustained into the future.
A Monument Worth Preserving
Historic memorials serve as physical reminders of the people and values that helped shape our city. The Justus O’Hage, M.D. Memorial honors a legacy rooted in public health and service—making its preservation an important responsibility within Saint Paul’s public realm.
Years of exposure, water intrusion, and incompatible past repairs have compromised both the appearance and durability of the monument. Without intervention, these conditions would continue to accelerate deterioration, risking further loss of historic material and meaning.
The Conservation Approach
The proposed conservation work includes the careful removal of inappropriate materials, repair of the masonry using historically appropriate mortar, and full conservation treatment of the bronze memorial panel. This includes correcting damage caused by past welding, restoring lost lettering, stabilizing corrosion, and re-patinating the bronze to reflect its original appearance based on historic research.
Missing decorative elements will be replaced, protective wax coatings applied, and all work fully documented before, during, and after treatment to ensure transparency and long-term care.
Moving Forward
With the assessment complete and the treatment plan defined, the project is positioned to move into the conservation phase once funding and scheduling are finalized. When complete, the Justus O’Hage Memorial will be stabilized, restored, and better protected against future deterioration.
Most importantly, this work reinforces a shared commitment to stewardship—recognizing that historic memorials are living parts of our civic landscape that deserve thoughtful care, professional expertise, and long-term investment.