REMSEN, NY — The Preservation League of New York State and their program partners at the New York State Council on the Arts are thrilled to announce the recipients of their 2023 Technical Assistance Grants. During this grant cycle, 2 of the 19 projects across the state selected by an independent panel of preservation professionals are in the Village of Remsen in Oneida County.
“Technical Assistance Grants often provide the pivotal seed funding needed to jumpstart more comprehensive preservation work in the future,” said Preservation League President Jay DiLorenzo. “The League is proud to support so many worthwhile projects across the state through this partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts.
“I am pleased that the Remsen-Steuben Historical Society and the Remsen Performing and Visual Arts Center have received Technical Assistance Grants through a partnership between the Preservation League of New York State and New York State Council on the Arts,” said NYS Senator Joseph A. Griffo. “This funding will help both grant recipients enhance and preserve historic and cultural sites in the community and region.”
“We are honored that our historic building will be preserved thanks to the knowledge acquired through this TAG grant,” said Peter Rashford, Remsen Arts Center Vice President.
Formerly the First Baptist Church of Remsen, the historic Main Street building had been abandoned in 2005. When it was threatened with demolition in 2010, a group of local citizens banded together to save the building in the hopes of turning it into a nonprofit arts center. They have preserved the historic integrity of the building while creating a charming modern venue for performing and visual arts programming. Since opening their doors to the public in 2011, the Remsen Performing and Visual Arts Center, Inc has hosted numerous concerts, art shows, and workshops, plus offers the facility for public uses including meetings, weddings, and much more. The Center provides opportunities for artists and musicians to study, display their artwork, and to perform in a supportive setting.
The building has numerous age-related defects. Their TAG-funded Engineering/Structural Analysis report will provide the information required to understand the 1893 building’s rehabilitation needs and set priorities moving forward. Project consultant Robert A.W. Heins, A.I.A., Architect, will complete the report.
“Our community and society members are honored to be chosen as a recipient of this important grant,” said Susan Bartholomew, Remsen-Steuben Historical Society Treasurer. “This grant will provide funding to ensure the Stone Meetinghouse continues its 192-year history of serving our community.”
Locally known as The Stone Meetinghouse, the building has been serving the community since 1831 and on the National Register of Historic Places since 1988. It houses the archives of multiple organizations, a small museum, sanctuary type auditorium, genealogical records, and the largest Welsh library in the country.
The structure has suffered water damage and potential structural integrity issues. The assessment will include engineering/structural analysis prepared by project consultants from Bell & Spina, Architect-Planners, PC. The roof may be at the end of its useful life and in need of historically appropriate replacement or repair. This Technical Assistance Grant will provide the society the support needed to continue community programs and preservation initiatives.
“The Village of Remsen is proud to be home to The Remsen Performing and Visual Arts Center and Remsen-Steuben Historical Society, recipients of the Preservation League of NYS and New York State Council on the Arts 2023 Technical Assistance Grant,” said Noah Ives, Village of Remsen Mayor. “We are grateful for the grant funding that it will allow both recipients to preserve their historic structures and continue their missions of serving and enhancing our community.”
The Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program is a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Preservation League of New York State, made possible by NYSCA with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area has provided additional support for the projects within the National Heritage Area boundary. The TAG program supports arts centers, historic sites, music halls, theaters, libraries, and other cultural nonprofit or municipal entities that steward historic buildings throughout New York State.
With the announcement of the 2023 awards, support provided by TAG since its launch in 2012 totals $668,680. These grants have directly advanced the efforts of 210 preservation projects.
“Through this program with the Preservation League of New York State, we are proud to provide critical support to these key cultural anchors, who will continue to enrich and strengthen their communities for generations to come,” added Katherine Nicholls, Chair of the New York State Council on the Arts. “On behalf of our staff and Council, I applaud all of this year’s TAG recipients and thank them for their ongoing work across the state.”
About the Preservation League of New York State
Since its founding in 1974, the Preservation League of NYS has built a reputation for action and effectiveness. Our goal has been to preserve our historic buildings, districts, and landscapes and to build a better New York, one community at a time. The League empowers all New Yorkers to use historic preservation to enrich their communities, protect their heritage, and build a sustainable future. We lead advocacy, economic development, and education programs across the state.
Connect with us at preservenys.org, facebook.com/preservenys, youtube.com/c/PreservationLeague and instagram.com/preservenys.
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 will award $127 million in FY 2024. 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 Kathy 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 www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.
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