2025 Preserve New York & Technical Assistance Grants
The Preservation League of NYS and their program partners at the New York State Council on the Arts, Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, and Hudson River Valley Greenway, are thrilled to announce the 2025 Preserve New York (PNY) and Technical Assistance grant (TAG) recipients. At its 2025 meeting, an independent panel selected 31 applicants in 20 counties to receive support totaling $347,500.
Clockwise from top left: Southampton History Museum Pelletreau Silver Shop; Old Westbury Gardens; Historic Geneva’s Rose Hill Mansion; State Theatre of Ithaca; City of Norwich; Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve; Hudson River Museum of Westchester; Willard Memorial Chapel; Wethersfield House; UnisonArts Holsted House
“This year, the League has brought our two longstanding NYSCA partnership grants together into one cycle, allowing us to see a clear picture of the remarkable preservation work getting started across the state,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League of NYS. “The targeted studies funded by TAG and the expansive reports made possible by PNY will lay the groundwork for many vital projects over the years to come.”
With the announcement of the 2025 awards, support provided by Preserve New York since its launch in 1993 totals more than $4 million to 569 projects statewide; support provided by TAG since its launch in 2012 totals $819,320 to 242 preservation projects.
Scroll down to learn more about each of our grantees, or click the links below to jump to a specific county.
Cayuga County: Community Preservation Committee, Inc.; Seward House Museum | Chenango County: City of Norwich; Chenango County Historical Society & Museum | Cortland County: 1890 House Museum and Center for the Arts | Dutchess County: Wethersfield Foundation, Inc.; Springside Landscape Restoration | Essex County: Stevenson Society of America, Inc. | Jefferson County: Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum | Livingston County: Genesee Valley Council on the Arts | Madison County: Smithfield Community Association; Madison County Historical Society | Monroe County: Village of Webster | Nassau County: Old Westbury Gardens Inc. | New York County: Landmark West! | Niagara County: Niagara Arts & Cultural Center | Ontario County: Historic Geneva | Orleans County: Village of Medina | Putnam County: Boscobel Restoration, Inc. | St. Lawrence County: St. Lawrence County Center for History and Culture; Morristown Gateway Museum; Frederic Remington Art Museum; Village of Waddington | Suffolk County: Southampton History Museum; Sylvester Manor Educational Farm, Inc.; Niamuck Land Trust; Lefferts Tide Mill & Preserve | Tompkins County: State Theatre of Ithaca, Inc. | Ulster County: Unison Learning Center, Inc.; Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History | Westchester County: Hudson River Museum of Westchester
Cayuga County
Community Preservation Committee, Inc., Willard Memorial Chapel Condition Report, Preserve New York: $18,500
“We are deeply grateful for this support, which will allow us to move forward with a comprehensive building condition report for Willard Memorial Chapel,” said Sydney Fischer, Executive Director of the Community Preservation Committee. “This report is a crucial step in ensuring that the Chapel, with its one-of-a-kind Tiffany interior, is preserved for generations to come.”
The grant will be used to complete a Building Condition Report, providing a detailed assessment of the Chapel’s structure, systems, and historic features. This report will guide future restoration efforts and help ensure the long-term preservation of the National Historic Landmark, and will address key concerns such as masonry and roof repairs, stained-glass and mosaic preservation, interior painting and stenciling, water and fire safety issues, system upgrades, and accessibility improvements. The work will be completed by consultants from Crawford & Stearns, Architects and Preservation Planners, PLLC.
Seward House Museum, Matterport Scan, Technical Assistance Grant: $7,500
According to Seward House Museum (SHM) Executive Director, Billye Chabot: “The funding from the Preservation League of NYS comes at a crucial time for the Museum. The Matterport scan that the grant is supporting will aid our efforts in designing a HVAC system for the main house, plot the future restoration of our roof, and position us to offer self-guided virtual tours.”
The images produced with a Matterport scan are incredible, high-resolution images. The accuracy of these images means that engineers and architects can use them to take precise measurements virtually. This practically eliminates the need for field work and allows engineers to gauge the appropriateness of equipment they are specifying for a room. For this reason, the finished Matterport scan will be instantly usable for finishing the design of a new HVAC system for SHM’s main building. The project will also produce photogrammetry images of the SHM’s roof and building elevations, which will be used in future restoration campaigns on the structure. MCWB Architects will conduct the scan.
Chenango County
City of Norwich, Broad Street-Main Street Historic District National Register Nomination, Preserve New York: $20,000
“We are honored to receive Preserve New York grant funding for the expansion of the Broad Street-Main Street Historic District,” said Erik Scrivener, Community Development Director of the City of Norwich. “This support allows us to recognize and preserve the architectural character and history of our downtown, while continuing the revitalization and economic growth of Norwich.”
Located in the City's downtown core, the district includes 21 contiguous buildings located between Main Street at the northern boundary to Hayes Street at the southern boundary. The project study area developed in the late nineteenth century as a center of commercial activity in Norwich. Designation will raise awareness of Norwich's history by updating information from previously prepared National Register Nominations such as the existing Broad Street-Main Street Historic District and encourage owners to invest in preserving and improving their historic buildings. Funding from the Preservation League will directly support the city’s ongoing efforts to protect and celebrate the community’s historic character while planning for future growth. The National Register nomination will be completed by consultants from Clinton Brown Company Architecture, pc.
Chenango County Historical Society & Museum, Ward School No. 2 Hazmat Study, Technical Assistance Grant: $1,785
“We are incredibly grateful to the Preservation League and its partnering organizations for this grant!” said Jessica Moquin, Executive Director of CCHS. “This study is the next step in ensuring that Ward School No. 2 will be historically preserved for future generations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to give our flagship structure the care and attention it deserves.”
CCHS will be working with Delta Engineers, Architects, & Surveyors to conduct a Specialized Conservation Study of the current roof in preparation of its replacement in the next few years. Information shared following the Specialized Conservation Study will allow CCHS to better facilitate capital planning and asset management moving forward.
Cortland County
1890 House Museum and Center for the Arts, Limited Condition Assessment, Technical Assistance Grant: $7,500
“We’re honored to receive this support from the Preservation League, which strengthens our ongoing efforts to preserve and protect this vital community resource,” said Michael Burke, Trustee and member of the Building & Grounds Committee.
Over the past several years, the 1890 House has experienced increasing issues with water infiltration, primarily through the roof and, more recently, the exterior stone façade. While they have implemented temporary measures to mitigate the leaks, new areas of concern continue to emerge.
In response, the Board has committed to undertaking a historically sensitive restoration that both preserves the building’s architectural integrity and prevents further deterioration. This project, to be completed by consultants from Crawford & Stearns, Architects and Preservation Planners, PLLC, will involve a comprehensive assessment to determine the full extent of water infiltration and identify all contributing factors. The findings will guide the development of a long-term restoration plan aimed at halting ongoing damage. By taking this proactive approach, they aim to safeguard the historic fabric — both inside and out — of the 1890 House, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.
Dutchess County
Wethersfield Foundation, Inc., Wethersfield House Condition Report, Preserve New York: $18,600
“The Wethersfield Foundation is deeply honored to receive this grant from such a distinguished organization,” said Hillary Henderson, Chief Operating Officer of Wethersfield. “This support comes at a pivotal moment, enabling us to address critical needs of the estate while laying the groundwork for future stabilization and restoration funding. It is an important step in ensuring that Wethersfield’s historic character and beauty will be preserved for generations to come.”
The Wethersfield Foundation will receive funding for a Building Condition Report, to be completed by Stephen Tilly, Architect. The assessment will focus on the Wethersfield House, a Georgian Brick Revival built in 1939-40 for philanthropist Chauncey Devereaux Stillman and designed by Bancel LaFarge. Bequeathed to the Foundation upon Stillman’s passing, the house is a historic and cultural landmark containing original artwork, frescoes, textiles, and antique furniture. Today, it is open for tours, cultural events, and summer artist residencies.
Springside Landscape Restoration, Springside Landscape Limited Condition Assessment, Technical Assistance Grant: $6,940
“Springside Landscape Restoration is truly grateful for this recognition and assistance from the Preservation League of NYS,” said Stephen Gnojewski, President of Springside Landscape Restoration. “The opportunity to consult with Patricia O’Donnell and her team at Heritage Landscapes, national leaders in revitalizing heritage assets, will be pivotal in our preservation efforts of this treasured, historic landscape.”
Springside, a National Historic Landmark, is important as a remaining landscape designed in 1850 by Andrew Jackson Downing for Matthew Vassar and is one of Downing’s few extant works. As a result of an increase in frequency and severity of recent storms, sections of Springside’s Center Circle feature, a round meadow with a carriage trail navigating its circumference, has been damaged by the stormwater run-off impacting both function and site preservation. Springside Landscape Restoration (SLR) will consult with Heritage Landscapes to provide a professional assessment, develop a range of solutions to mitigate the problem, and identify local or regional contractors qualified to repair the aesthetic form and functionality of Springside's Center Circle carriage trail.
This project was funded exclusively by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.
Essex County
Exhibit room / RLS bedroom, looking NE credit Marilyn Kaplan
Stevenson Society of America, Inc., Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage Museum Condition Report, Preserve New York: $15,700
“We are delighted to receive a Preserve New York grant for the Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage Museum and grateful for the support of the Preservation League of NYS and the New York State Council on the Arts,” said Dr. Trenton B. Olsen, President of the Stevenson Society of America. “This award will help fund a comprehensive study of Stevenson’s former home that will provide essential guidance in our effort to preserve the cottage museum and secure its future.”
As the Stevenson Society addresses their most pressing building repair needs, their PNY-funded Building Condition Report will provide a detailed set of prioritized recommendations, a sequenced progression, and cost projections to guide their ongoing efforts. Marilyn Kaplan of Preservation Architecture will complete the report.
Jefferson County
Thousand Islands Arts Center ~ Home of the Handweaving Museum, Tetrault House Condition Report, Preserve New York: $3,480
“The Arts Center is grateful to the Preservation League for their support and understanding of our vision for our historic home on John Street,” explained the Arts Center’s Executive Director, Sarah Riddoch. “A building condition report is the first step in ensuring its future rehabilitation, long-term sustainability, safety, and continued use in alignment with the Arts Center's mission.”
Grant funds will be used to retain Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt of Watertown, NY, to conduct a comprehensive building condition assessment, providing the essential roadmap and detailed funding needs for the restoration of the Art Center’s historic building, the Tetrault House.
Livingston County
Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, MEP Analysis, Technical Assistance Grant: $5,025
“GVCA is grateful for this support as we take the next steps to stabilize and secure temperature control upgrades necessary for the preservation of our New Deal Collection; a group of 223 WPA paintings original to our 1936 campus,” stated Morgan Hellquist, Executive Director of the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts.
The proposed project involves a comprehensive HVAC systems evaluation for the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts facility, conducted by CPL Architects, Engineers and Landscape Architect, D.P.C. The goal of this evaluation is to assess the current condition and functionality of the existing systems, which currently rely on district steam for heating, and to explore alternative solutions that eliminate this dependence moving forward. This evaluation is a crucial first step in planning for the future of GVCA’s building infrastructure. The final assessment will inform strategic decisions related to maintenance, repair, and system upgrades, helping GVCA prioritize investments, sustainability, and preservation of the New Deal Collection.
Madison County
Smithfield Community Association, Hamlet of Peterboro National Register District Nomination, Preserve New York: $16,688
“The Smithfield Community Association, the Town of Smithfield and the residents of the hamlet of Peterboro are so appreciative of the continued support of the Preservation League of NYS to document the unique integrated community Peterboro has had since the 1840s, said Nell Ziegler, Smithfield Community Association Board President. “This funding will support Peterboro having a Historic District that identifies the Underground Railroad activity that happened here and recognizes the fugitive persons who settled here and their descents who still reside in the Hamlet.”
The Smithfield Community Association will work with consultant Jessie Ravage to complete the National District Nomination, which will be based on a previously completed Intensive Level Survey. That earlier survey was also funded by a Preserve New York grant.
Madison County Historical Society, Cottage Lawn Limited Condition Assessment, Technical Assistance Grant: $7,500
“This assessment is just the beginning of our preservation project,” said Hunter McCullough Madison County Historical Society Director. “The assessment will notify us about the concerning architectural issues that have been caused by the environment or time itself, allowing MCHS to conduct future preservation projects in a strategic way.”
This project will provide the Madison County Historical Society with an assessment of Cottage Lawn, the Gothic Revival-style home out of which the Society operates. The Limited Condition Assessment will be conducted by consultants from Crawford and Sterns, Architects and Preservation Planners PLLC.
Monroe County
Village of Webster Cultural Resource Survey, Preserve New York: $14,320
"This grant gives the Village of Webster an important opportunity to document and preserve our history. It will not only help us share our community’s story but also guide future planning and development," said Josh Durso, Village of Webster Historic Preservation Commission.
A cultural resources survey is an inventory of historically and/or architecturally significant buildings, sites, structures, and landscapes in a community. The results of a survey can serve as an excellent tool for local planning efforts, heritage tourism, economic development, and to help inform the Village of Webster Historic Preservation Commission of historically significant resources within the Village. The results of the survey will also help determine whether there is a National Register eligible historic district(s) or individual properties within the village. The Landmark Society of Western New York will serve as consultants to complete the survey.
Nassau County
Old Westbury Gardens, South Terrace Condition Report, Preserve New York: $20,000
“Old Westbury Gardens is pleased to be the recipient of a 2025 Preserve New York Grant from the Preservation League of NYS. The Existing Conditions Report will provide data on the structural elements of the South Terrace. The iconic south façade of Westbury House is defined by the terrace, its decorative elements and double staircase leading to the South Lawn,” said Lorraine Gilligan, Director of Preservation. “Past Preserve NY grants have been the gateway to significant funding of restoration projects throughout Old Westbury Gardens. The support from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation has been critical to the success in preserving the site and making Old Westbury Gardens a tourism anchor vital to the Long Island economy.”
The Condition Report will provide data on the structural elements of the character defining South Terrace. This will be achieved through visual observation and core sampling to record the underlayment and waterproofing conditions of the brick walkway especially in areas where water infiltration has resulted in substantial damage. Other samples will be by the limestone knee walls including soil quality, drainage, and condition of exposed steel infrastructure. Other evidence documenting the degree of corrosion of steel beams will be measured on the actual interior area of the terrace. The report will prioritize issues to be addressed and provide estimates. Consultants from Jan Hird Pokorny Associates will complete the work.
New York County
Peace Fountain. credit: Megan Fitzpatrick
LANDMARK WEST!, Morningside Heights Cultural Resource Survey (public art), Preserve New York: $3,780
“We’re grateful to continue our Public Art Survey through the Preserve New York regrant,” said LANDMARK WEST! Executive Director Sean Khorsandi. “Not only is our survey a useful record – since its inception, we have also maintained and expanded it to include temporary installations making it more of a living resource. We are eager to extend this benefit north to include the many public and semi-public works in the Morningside Heights neighborhood.”
This project will identify and document public and semi-public works of art within Morningside Heights, a neighborhood in Manhattan. In 2022, LW received a PNY grant to complete a cultural resource survey of such artworks on the Upper West Side, a collaboration that identified and researched 89 pieces of art. Now, the organization will expand the initial survey north into Morningside Heights, a neighborhood with a rich cultural and institutional heritage. These artworks are important historic and cultural resources in NYC, and we recognize a great need to find and record such sites in this neighborhood; if we do not know they are there, they cannot be celebrated or protected. LW will once again work with Dr. Marin R. Sullivan, an art historian and curator, as a consultant to conduct this survey work.
Niagara County
Niagara Arts & Cultural Center, MEP Analysis, Technical Assistance Grant: $6,500
“Part of the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center mission is to preserve our historic 100 year old campus. This Technical Assistance Grant allows us to take a full assessment of the central steam boiler that provides heat for the entire building,” said Jennifer Pauly, Executive Director of the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center. “The NACC board of directors are grateful for this grant as the timing couldn’t be better as we prepare for the next phase of our Theatre Renovation Project.”
Buffalo Engineering, P.C. will serve as the consultant to the NACC to deliver a MEP analysis of the existing steam boiler for the historic building, outlining the conditions and recommendations for improvements. The scope will include the mechanical and electrical engineering investigation with supporting documentation. NACC occupies the former Niagara Falls High School, which before being revitalized as this regional art center was included on the League’s 2000 Seven to Save list of at-risk historic sites.
Ontario County
Historic Geneva, Rose Hill Mansion Condition Report, Preserve New York: $15,000
“We wish to the thank the Preservation League of NYS and NYSCA for the grant,” said Kerry Lippincott, Executive Director of Historic Geneva. “Though Rose Hill Mansion is considered one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the United States, it is a 19th century house in a 21st century word. It faces several threats including climate change, infiltration by wildlife, and legacy mechanical systems. Through the Preserve New York grant, we hope to balance preserving the mansion and its collections with the needs of staff and visitors.”
Historic Geneva will use their Preserve New York grant to fund a building condition report and a set of measured drawings, including floor plans and schematic elevations for all four floors of Rose Hill Mansion. Among the issues the condition report will address are water intrusion, improved environmental control, infiltration by wildlife, and accessibility. Both the condition report and measured drawings will be done by Crawford and Stearns Architects and Preservation Planners in Syracuse.
Orleans County
credit: Todd Bensley
Village of Medina, Boxwood Cemetery Limited Condition Assessment, Technical Assistance Grant: $7,500
Mayor Marguerite Sherman said, “The Village is honored and thrilled that the Preservation League and its partners recognize the significance of Boxwood Cemetery, a site that has added to our community’s charm for over 175 years and attracts visitors from around the country today. We will engage our citizens and professionals in this cultural heritage project, thanks to this grant.”
Village Historian Todd Bensley added, “This vital grant will fund analysis by experts at Clinton Brown Company Architecture, pc., for a plan of restoration of Boxwood Cemetery’s character-defining Medina sandstone retaining walls at its hilly, ‘Old Cemetery’ section. This will help secure its future for generations to come.”
Historic Boxwood Cemetery, established in 1849, is an exemplary Victorian burial ground. Its terraces feature several walls of cut Medina Sandstone. The resting place of many early settlers and notable historic people, the cemetery includes approximately 5,000 marked burials, spanning from 1849 until the present day. Boxwood's evolution demonstrates changing cemetery design theories, including Rural and Park-Lawn cemetery models. The 1903 chapel was designed in the Gothic Revival style with Medina Sandstone. This grant-funded assessment will provide information to help guide the Village’s efforts to preserve Boxwood Cemetery for years to come.
Putnam County
Boscobel House & Gardens, Visitor Center Condition Report, Preserve New York: $15,760
“Having served as a Preservation League volunteer, I know how critical a resource they are across the state. This grant allows us to address urgent safety questions in Boscobel’s Visitor Center, which serves as a place of welcome, learning, and connection for all guests,” said Jennifer Carlquist, Boscobel’s Executive Director and Curator. “The Visitor Center is the gateway to experiencing our historic house, gardens, and programs, and this condition report will provide the foundation for crucial restorations and thoughtful updates. Given the emergency restoration ongoing in our Historic House Museum, we could not have undertaken this project without their support.”
The need for this report became urgent following a recent investigation that revealed the Visitor Center ceiling is made of the same flawed concrete construction as Boscobel’s Historic House Museum ceiling, which unexpectedly collapsed in April 2024. In addition to this serious safety concern, the building suffers from several known deficiencies, including insufficient structural support in the main gallery (currently stabilized with temporary tie rods), a deteriorating cedar roof, outdated and inadequate electrical systems, multiple aging and inefficient HVAC systems, and a lack of insulation throughout. A thorough evaluation by a trusted architect will help Boscobel fully understand the scope of needed repairs and upgrades and allow the organization to develop a phased approach to ensuring the building’s safety, usability, and long-term preservation.
St. Lawrence County
Morristown Gateway Museum, Building Condition Report, Preserve New York: $5,000
“The Morristown Gateway Museum is thrilled to have the support of the Preservation League as we undertake a Building Condition Report of our heritage structure on Main Street,” said Annemarie FitzRandolph, Secretary of the Morristown Gateway Museum.
The Museum will work with consultants from St. Lawrence Engineering in Clayton to evaluate the current physical state of the building and its systems. The survey, once completed, will help the Museum trustees prioritize short term fixes and long-term improvements, guiding decision-making about renovation and repurposing. The Museum building dates to 1910, built by the Comstock family as a social hall. Today, the Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Morristown’s residents and regional history.
Frederic Remington Art Museum, Ogdensburg Library Park - Eva Caten Remington Education Center Condition Report, Preserve New York: $17,152
“We are deeply grateful to the Preservation League of New York State and NYSCA for this support,” said Maggie McKenna, Executive Director of the Frederic Remington Art Museum. “This grant will help us take important steps toward preserving and understanding our historic campus, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the legacy of Frederic Remington.”
The grant will support a building condition report for Kid’s Place, the Eva Caten Remington Education Center, which serves as the Museum’s hub for youth and family programming. This study will guide necessary repairs and improvements to make the building safer, more functional, and more welcoming for all who visit, ensuring that Kid’s Place can continue to inspire creativity and learning for years to come. The Museum will work with consultants from LaBella Associates, D.P.C. to complete the report.
Village of Waddington, Waddington Historic District Cultural Resource Survey, Preserve New York: $12,000
According to Mayor Michael Zagrobelny, “This award is another valuable tool in Waddington’s mission to preserve and document the rich and varied history of an historic village on the St. Lawrence River. The Village is grateful to Preservation League of NYS and the New York State Council on the Arts for support of this important program.”
The Village of Waddington’s historic core is primarily concentrated within a six-block area bounded by the St. Lawrence River on the north and NYS Route 37 (Lincoln Avenue) on the south. The existing historic district only includes 11 buildings on Main Street. This proposed historic district expansion would widen the boundaries on the east and west, extending from Oak Street to Maple Street. An informal survey of this proposed expanded historic district revealed over 30 structures that might qualify for inclusion in the district. Adirondack Architectural Heritage will perform the survey work.
St. Lawrence County Center for History and Culture, Silas Wright House Limited Condition Assessment, Technical Assistance Grant: $7,500
“We are so grateful to the New York State Council on the Arts and to the Preservation League of NYS for this unique opportunity to lay the groundwork as we plan to tackle some deferred maintenance and much need updates on our historic property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places,” said Carlene Bermann, SLCCHC Executive Director.
The TAG grant will be used as support for costs associated with the completion of a Limited Condition Building Assessment for the Silas Wright House. The work will be completed by Crawford & Stearns, who will serve as the consultant to the St. Lawrence County Center for History & Culture (SLCCHC). The assessment will determine the necessary building components that are most in need of repair. It will also provide the documentation necessary for the SLCCHC to prioritize and budget for future capital improvements. The TAG grant will help the SLCCHC maintain the architectural integrity of one of the most significant historic structures in St. Lawrence County, benefiting the organization as well as visitors and residents of this underrepresented community.
Suffolk County
Southampton History Museum, Pelletreau Silver Shop Historic Structure Report, Preserve New York: $20,000
“We are so grateful to the Preservation League of NYS for this generous grant,” said Sarah Kautz, Executive Director of the Southampton History Museum. “This funding enables us to create comprehensive documentation for the remarkable Pelletreau Silver Shop, one of Southampton’s oldest and most cherished historic buildings, in support of restoration planning and long-term preservation.”
Originally built ca. 1686 as a dry goods store in colonial Southampton, the structure most famously served as the workshop of Elias Pelletreau (1726-1810), a talented silversmith and Patriot of the American Revolution. The grant will be used to support the completion of a Historic Structure Report for Pelletreau Silver Shop by Jan Hird Pokorny, who will serve as the consultant to the Southampton History Museum.
Sylvester Manor Educational Farm, Inc., Old Farmhouse Condition Report, Preserve New York: $4,970
“We at Sylvester Manor are so pleased and grateful to continue to partner with the Preservation League of New York State,” said Sylvester Manor Executive Director Stephen Searl. “For over a decade, the League has supported planning and analysis of our historic structures and landscape, beginning with the 1737 Manor House, and continuing to assist us as we plan adaptive reuse of historic outbuildings. This 1850s Farmhouse has stories to tell, and the funding for this Building Condition Report will set us on the path to discerning its past and preparing it for a stable future. We so appreciate this investment in the Sylvester Manor historic site by the League and the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.”
Sylvester Manor will perform a full Building Conditions Report of the c.1850 Old Farmhouse, which is sited near the 1737 Manor House in the center of the 236-acre campus. This "story-and-a-half” structure is a contributing resource to the Sylvester Manor Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Condition Report, which will be completed by consultants from D.B. Bennett Engineering, P.E., P.C., will guide rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, to honor and feature the structure's historic fabric, bring this central building fully into the site’s long-range planning, and contribute to the ever-evolving interpretation of the past, present, and future of the Sylvester Manor cultural landscape.
This project was funded exclusively by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.
Niamuck Land Trust, Shinnecock Hills Traditional Territory Cultural Resource Survey, Preserve New York: $12,000
The Niamuck Land Trust, an Indigenous women-led land trust on Long Island, is honored to receive support from the Preservation League of New York State to partner with Dr. Allison McGovern in co-creating a Cultural Resource Survey of the Shinnecock Hills Traditional Cultural Territory.
This critical survey will play a vital role in safeguarding the Shinnecock Hills, ensuring protection from the ongoing threat of desecration of sacred burial sites caused by residential overdevelopment. By documenting and elevating the cultural significance of this land, the Niamuck Land Trust is taking an essential step toward honoring and protecting the cultural legacy of Shinnecock people for generations to come.
This project was funded exclusively by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.
Lefferts Tide Mill and Preserve, Van Wyck- Lefferts Tide Mill Engineering/Structural Analysis, Technical Assistance Grant: $7,500
“The grant will give us different options for how to continue the preservation and restoration of the Lefferts Tide Mill and Dam, focusing on issues related to climate change and its effects on the dam,” said Claudia Fortunato, Executive Director of the Lefferts Tide Mill and Preserve.
The Lefferts Tide Mill Dam was built in 1794, built to impound water used as a power source for the adjacent Mill. The dam is constructed across 'Puppy Cove' which is part of Huntington Harbor. The dam includes a tide gate at the center to allow the mill pond to fill during high tide. A water wheel was used to power the mill as the tide went out.
Currently, the tide gate, at the center of the dam, consists of a series of stop logs which are installed or removed to regulate the water level in the reservoir behind the dam. Recently, additional stop logs were installed to maintain the height of the mill pond. As a result of this work, water in the reservoir flowed around the stop log boards and through the stone retaining walls of the dam potentially undermining its integrity. In addition, the dam has overtopped regularly when there is a full moon high tide.
This Engineering/Structural Analysis will identify potential repair options, including fixing the area around the tide gate and installing a cutoff to reduce seepage and potential internal erosion through the dam as well as steps to protect the dam from overtopping. Consultants from Haley & Aldrich, Inc. will complete the Analysis.
This project was funded exclusively by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.
Tompkins County
State Theatre of Ithaca, Inc., Building Condition Report, Preserve New York: $20,000
“The State Theatre of Ithaca is thrilled to receive support from The Preservation League for this important Building Conditions report,” said State Theatre Executive Director, Doug Levine. “We have not completed a comprehensive building study since the formation of this organization in 2009. As we near our 100th anniversary, it is time for a comprehensive building plan study of the uses and structural needs of the Historic State Theatre.”
Several components of the old building require repair, upgrade, or better energy efficiency. As part of this project, C&S Companies out of Syracuse, New York, will visually inspect all areas of the State Theatre building, both interior and exterior, including the roof and facade and all systems and components. They will conduct on-site field observations identifying deficient conditions, photograph those deficient conditions, identify potential energy saving items, review any existing environmental testing data for integration into reports, and propose corrective actions for all noted deficiencies and recommended improvements. The State Theatre Board and Staff will use the report to document needs, incorporate and safeguard historic preservation features, and establish a capital improvement plan. The report is the first step, and it will truly help this important historic community resource flourish in the future.
Ulster County
Unison Learning Center, Inc., Holsted House Building Condition Report, Preserve New York: $19,200
“We’re honored to receive a Preserve New York Grant to support a Building Condition Report for our historic house,” says Unison Arts Executive Director Marielena Ferrer-Harrington. “This important step will help us better understand the needs of this treasured site so we can preserve its history while continuing to share it with the community.”
Marilyn Kaplan of Preservation Architecture will lead the Building Condition Report for the historic Jacob & Charity Holsted House. A nationally recognized architect and building scientist, Kaplan brings more than 30 years of expertise in preserving historic structures and adapting them to meet modern codes and accessibility requirements. Her report will document the building’s layout, history and current condition, evaluate its systems, and provide a strategic roadmap for preservation work that will secure the Holsted House’s future as a vital community resource.
Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History, Reher Bakery Retaining Wall Engineering/Structural Analysis, Technical Assistance Grant: $3,300
“This structural assessment is an exciting step forward in our ongoing work to preserve the Reher Center’s historic site,” said Reher Center Executive Director Kira Manso Brown. “By investing in the long-term stability of the staircase and retaining wall, we are not only protecting the integrity of these 19th-century structures but also ensuring that our community can continue to gather here, learn here, and feel a sense of belonging here in the Rondout for generations to come.”
The Reher Center is proud to take the next step in preserving its historic site by partnering with Stinemire Engineering for a structural assessment. This important evaluation will focus on the 1877 interior staircase and the 1873 retaining wall, helping the organization better understand their condition and ensure they remain safe and strong for generations to come. By identifying preservation needs now, they are laying the groundwork for future restoration that will protect the site’s legacy and deepen its role as a vibrant cultural resource for our community.
Westchester County
Hudson River Museum of Westchester, Glenview | John Bond Trevor House Specialized Conservation Study, Technical Assistance Grant: $6,800
“Glenview mansion is a rare surviving Gilded Age residence open to the public, reflecting a pivotal moment in late nineteenth-century American architecture and design,” stated Laura Vookles, Chair, HRM’s Curatorial Department. “Built during the U.S. Centennial, it features stunning interior elements — such as the Japanese-inspired chrysanthemum frieze, masterful woodwork by Daniel Pabst, and newly restored brass newel post lamps — that showcase the era’s artistry and craftsmanship. Today, Glenview serves as a cultural hub in the Hudson Valley, hosting leaders and community members for programs and exhibitions that honor the past and inspire the future. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its significance is underscored by its portrayal of Caroline Astor’s home in HBO’s The Gilded Age.”
The Preservation League of New York State’s Technical Assistance Grant will help safeguard one of the Hudson River Museum’s most distinctive features of its historic home Glenview — the Sitting Room’s stenciled ceiling, a rare nineteenth-century Japanese-inspired decorative element reflective of the Aesthetic Movement. This specialized conservation study, which will be completed by John Canning & Co., Ltd., will identify the causes of its deterioration and provide a detailed repair plan, recognizing the exceptional craftsmanship that brought Glenview to life, ensuring this historic space continues to share Yonkers’ history in all its richness.
“NYSCA is proud to support these diverse and essential projects that will allow organizations to plan for their future and safeguard New York’s rich cultural history for generations to come,” said Erika Mallin, Executive Director of NYSCA. “Congratulations to all of this year’s grantees and we look forward to the work you do across our state.”
“The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation feels its collaboration with these organizations in supporting the Preservation League of NYS has never been more important. The buildings and sites that make up our small and large cities and towns are living artifacts to those who united in efforts to build this nation. American history is a compilation of stories of communities and those who lived and worked to secure our future," said Kathryn M. Curran, Executive Director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation.
"The Preservation League of New York State's TAG program prioritizes the value of our state's built environment and champions the preservation of the Hudson Valley’s architectural heritage,” said Andy Kitzmann, Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. “Next year is our Nation’s 250th anniversary and preserving our historic downtowns and landscapes is the first step in highlighting the value of our shared sense of place."
Preserve New York and Technical Assistance Grants are regrant partnerships between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Preservation League, made possible with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation has generously provided additional funds to support nonprofit projects in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Additional funding for Technical Assistance Grants is provided by the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area for projects within the Hudson Valley Greenway.
Since 1993, Preserve New York Grants have been providing funds to municipalities and nonprofit organizations that need technical, professional assistance to guide a variety of preservation projects. The building condition reports, cultural landscape reports, and cultural resource surveys funded through this program lead to positive outcomes across New York’s 62 counties. These grants support important arts and cultural initiatives, as well as economic development related to our state’s arts and cultural heritage.
The Technical Assistance Grant program supports arts centers, historic sites, music halls, theaters, and other arts and cultural nonprofit or municipal entities that steward historic buildings throughout New York State.
About the New York State Council on the Arts
The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts awarded $162 million in FY2025, serving organizations and artists across all 10 of the state’s regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources.
Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.
About the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation
The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, established in 1987, primarily supports the study of Long Island history and its role in the American experience.
About the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area
The Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area was designated by Congress in 1996 and is one of sixty-two federally recognized National Heritage Areas throughout the United States. Through a partnership with the National Park Service, the Heritage Area collaborates with residents, government agencies, non-profit groups and private partners to interpret, preserve and celebrate the nationally significant cultural and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley, to encourage public stewardship for these resources as well as economic activity at the local and regional levels.
The Heritage Area is managed by the Hudson River Valley Greenway, an innovative state-sponsored program created to facilitate the development of a regional strategy for preserving scenic, natural, historic, cultural and recreational resources while encouraging compatible economic development and maintaining the tradition of home rule for land use decision-making. The Hudson River Valley Greenway was established by the New York State Hudson River Valley Greenway Act of 1991 to create a process for voluntary regional cooperation among 279 active Greenway Communities within 14 counties that border the Hudson River.
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