AMC has operated a hut on Mount Madison since building a single-room stone structure there in 1888. The hut's popularity grew and a series of renovations and expansions followed. By the 1920s there were three small buildings on the site. A fire destroyed the primary hut in 1940, but AMC Huts Manager Joe Dodge led a quick reconstruction, and the building remained largely the same for the next seven decades. In September 2010, AMC's construction crew stripped the structure to the ground (except for the circa 1920s stone foundation and walls) and rebuilt a new and improved Madison. The kitchen was moved to accommodate a larger dining room, and the bunkrooms were expanded. Waterless toilets and energy-efficient windows were added, among many other improvements. AMC will also be upgrading the alternative energy systems at the hut. The project will be completed in the spring of 2011, with the new hut opening to guests for the summer season on June 2.

"Madison Spring Hut has seen a lot of years and a lot of use since the current hut was last rebuilt in 1941," says Outdoor Program Center Director Paul Cunha. "This new project is designed to provide a more energy efficient and environmentally sensitive hut, in keeping with AMC's 'Green Promise' of sustainable operations. At the same time, we hope to improve the guest experience by providing more leg room and elbow room in key areas, and reducing the height of bunks in the bunkrooms. We're also operating in such a way as to preserve and honor the historical integrity of the building."

Here is the Madison Spring Hut story condensed into 90 seconds.

If you'd like to support this project, there is still time. To learn more about the Spirit of Madison campaign visit www.outdoors.org/madison or contact Jim Hamilton at jhamilton@outdoors.org or (617) 391-6585.

Learn More
"Appalachian Mountain Club to Rebuild Madison Spring Hut" (press release, May 2010)

"Rebuilding Madison" (AMC Outdoors)