Technical Assistance Grants - 2024
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 2024 Technical Assistance Grants. During this grant cycle, 20 projects representing 13 counties across the state have been selected by an independent panel of preservation professionals. A total of $75,290 was awarded.
“The targeted studies made possible by Technical Assistance Grants provide crucial support for strategic preservation planning as organizations look to 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. And we are equally grateful for additional funding from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation on Long Island and the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, which allows TAG funding to go further.”
With the announcement of the 2024 awards, support provided by TAG since its launch in 2012 totals $743,970. These grants have directly advanced the efforts of 230 preservation projects.
Scroll down to learn more about each of our grantees, or click the links below to jump to a specific county.
Albany County: Albany County Historical Association | Cayuga County: Howland Stone Store Museum | Chautauqua County: Village of Sherman | Erie County: Town of Orchard Park & Village of Orchard Park | Essex County: Minerva Historical Society; The Fort Ticonderoga Association | New York County: New Amsterdam Musical Association | Niagara County: Niagara County Historical Society | Queens County: Historic House Trust of New York City; Sculpture Center, Inc.; Flux Factory | Schenectady County: Village of Scotia | Schoharie County: Schoharie County Historical Society | Suffolk County: The Bridgehampton Museum; Mastic Peninsula Historical Society; Sagtikos Manor Historical Society | Ulster County: Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History; Unison Learning Center, Inc.; Village of New Paltz on behalf of the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Center | Wyoming County: Arcade Historical Society
Albany County
Albany County Historical Association, Specialized Conservation Study of the Ten Broeck Mansion & Ten Broeck Carriage Barn, $2,480
“The Albany County Historical Association is honored to receive this award from the Preservation League of NYS,” said Kathryn Kosto, ACHA Executive Director. “The Conservation Study will allow us to accurately study and restore the original paint finishes on the historic 18th century Ten Broeck Carriage Barn and the 19th century Olcott Greenhouse. Both structures will complement and further our interpretation of the historical Ten Broeck landscape, allowing us to interpret the lives of workers and gardeners, and provide vital space for educational programs.”
Consultants from Richbrook Conservation will analyze historic paint from architectural fragments of the 18th-century Ten Broeck Carriage Barn and 19th-century Olcott Greenhouse. This Specialized Conservation Study will guide the accurate reconstruction of these historic structures using period-appropriate colors. The future reconstruction of these structures will allow ACHA to use them as an accessible Education Center for underserved communities and visitors from around the world, with the goal of further highlighting and interpreting the lives and experiences of workers, enslaved peoples, immigrants, and servants, broadening and making the presentation of Albany’s history more accurate and more inclusive.
Cayuga County
Howland Stone Store Museum, Limited Condition Assessment of Opendore, $4,000
“The Opendore grounds, as planted and maintained by two generations of the Howland family, were once admired and enjoyed by the family and Sherwood residents alike, including children,” said Larry Bell, Historian/Secretary of the Howland Stone Store Museum. “The updated plan funded by this Technical Assistance Grant will bring us one step closer to reconstructing a parklike destination that honors the past, and provides a setting of beauty and function for the restored building.”
Managed by the Howland Stone Store Museum (HSSM), Opendore is an important part of the Sherwood Equal Rights Historic District, and is a stop on the Votes for Women trail, recognizing the leadership of William, Hannah, and Isabel Howland in the women’s suffrage movement. HSSM acquired the property in 2008 after suffering years of vacancy and deterioration – the building was in imminent danger of collapsing. A volunteer effort completely rebuilt the structure, and effort that earned an Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the League in 2022.
This Technical Assistance Grant follows an earlier Preserve New York Grant, which funded a Historic Landscape Report in 2020. The Limited Condition Assessment, to be completed by Steele Landscape Architecture, will update that report, allowing the organization to plan for future rehabilitation of this historic landscape.
Chautauqua County
Village of Sherman, Limited Condition Assessment of the Peter Ripley House / Sherman's - French Creek Yorker Museum, $4,000
“The TAG award will greatly contribute to the restoration and accessibility of the museum’s historic assets to be experienced and appreciated for generations to come,” said Village Mayor, Colleen Meeder. “This is in line with the Village of Sherman’s vision of ‘Preserving our past, … while working toward our Future’.”
Heritage conservation specialists from Clinton Brown Company Architecture, pc, which has had a long association with renewing the Village of Sherman, will prepare an Exterior Building Conditions Summary Report of the historic, ca. 1830, Peter Ripley House. Project Manager Jill Nowicki said, “We are thrilled to work on protecting this signature home, now part of the Yorker Museum movement of the 1940s to educate about settler life, to reinvigorate its purpose for local students and regional visitors.”
The French Creek Yorkers established the museum in 1946, creating a collection of 6 original buildings and related artifacts dating back to 1750. This includes the Peter Ripley House, which is the oldest frame building in Sherman, depicting life in the mid-1800s. The Village of Sherman, with the stewardship of the Sherman Historical Society, endeavors to continue the work of founder, Genevieve Larson, in celebrating their rich local heritage.
Erie County
Town & Village of Orchard Park, Engineering / Structural Analysis of The Jolls House, $3,832
This Technical Assistance Grant will fund a structural review of the Jolls House, to be completed by consultant Barbara A. Campagna. This analysis will ensure this historic treasure of the Orchard Park community will be preserved for the future.
The Jolls House is a brick Italianate structure located in the heart of the Village of Orchard Park. For most of the 20th century, it was the home of Orchard Park’s best-known country doctor, Willard B. Jolls, his wife Ida Markham Jolls, and their housekeeper Millie Michelfelder. The house, including Dr. Jolls’ three-room medical suite, has been restored to the way it appeared during the family’s residence there. Displays of local interest change regularly and offer a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
Essex County
Minerva Historical Society, Specialized Conservation Study of the MHS Museum, $4,000
“We are committed to using these funds to thoroughly document the museum’s condition, inside and out,” said Julie Milner, Finance Chair. “The resulting report will allow us to share the building’s status with our community and develop a thoughtful strategy for its maintenance and preservation in the years ahead”
The Minerva Historical Society occupies a former church building, which dates to about 1894. The building is a cherished local landmark in Essex County. However, the building's exterior is currently facing significant challenges, including rotting wood and peeling paint. To ensure the proper restoration and preservation of this valuable piece of history, the Minerva Historical Society will work with consultants from Thaler Reilly Wilson Architecture and Preservation to complete the Study.
The Fort Ticonderoga Association, Limited Condition Assessment of the South Barracks at Fort Ticonderoga, $4,000
“Fort Ticonderoga is exceedingly grateful to the Preservation League of New York State for supporting this assessment,” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President & CEO. “This grant will support a conditions survey for the South Barracks at Fort Ticonderoga, a critical first step in investigating conditions of the structure and further evaluating the outer envelope of the structure, specifically addressing water intrusions. This is vital for the preservation of the original fabric of this historic building, the safety of the collections pieces housed within the space, and for the comfort and safety of our thousands of visitors annually.”
The conditions survey of the South Barracks at Fort Ticonderoga will evaluate the outer envelope of the building structure. The survey will prioritize future work, which will include restoration/replacement of the clay tile roof, repointing masonry walls, and addressing other areas affected by water infiltration. Once these issues are addressed, the exterior and interior of the South Barracks will be protected from extreme climate events. Fort Ticonderoga Association will work with consultants from John G. Waite Associates, Architects to complete the survey.
New York County
New Amsterdam Musical Association, Limited Condition Assessment, $4,000
“We are incredibly grateful for this TAG award which represents a significant step forward in our efforts to preserve and protect NAMA’s historic Harlem brownstone,” said Imani Scott, President of the New Amsterdam Musical Association. “This funding allows us to strategically address long pending critical repairs and accessibility needs, ensuring that NAMA’s building remains a welcoming and vibrant space for music, culture, and community engagement.” Scott continued, “By addressing structural needs and enhancing accessibility, this gives us the opportunity to properly explore renovation options for upgrading the performance spaces while preserving its historical integrity. This ensures that NAMA’s legacy and historical building will continue to serve as a beacon for the arts and enrich our community for generations to come.”
NAMA has engaged AYON Studio, a distinguished architectural firm with expertise in historic preservation to complete the Limited Condition Assessment. This Assessment will identify repair needs across key building elements including walls, ceilings, wood floors, stairs, doors, and lighting. A professional report detailing current building conditions, recommend phased repairs, and proposed upgrades for accessibility will inform NAMA’s stewardship of their building moving forward. Key areas of focus include the brownstone’s structural integrity, life safety enhancements, and the addition of ramps and other accessibility features to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for visitors.
Niagara County
Niagara County Historical Society, Engineering / Structural Analysis of the Col. William Bond/Jessie Hawley House, $4,000
“We are incredibly grateful to the Preservation League of New York State,” said James Lester, Executive Director. “This grant will assist the Niagara History Center in its larger Structural Analysis, which will allow the History Center to strategically plan future capital campaigns specific to the maintenance of our wonderful historic buildings and exhibits.”
The Niagara History Center (NHC) is undertaking a Structural Assessment of the three primary properties currently owned by the History Center, populated by a total of seven buildings. One of these properties is the Col. William Bond/Jessie Hawley House, a National Register-listed home constructed in 1824 – the first brick home in Lockport, New York. NHC purchased the home in 1968 and has tirelessly restored it to its current state. However, with all historic homes, upkeep is a constant need, and the Structural Analysis of the Col. William Bond House will allow the History Center to strategically plan any future capital campaigns specific to maintenance of the historic home. NHC will work with consultants from Bero Architecture to complete the Analysis.
Queens County
Historic House Trust of New York City, Limited Condition Assessment of the Adriance Farmhouse, $4,000
“The Queens County Farm Museum is part of a vibrant urban farming community in New York City,” said Giulietta Fiore, Historic House Trust Acting Director. “Thanks to support from the Preservation League of NYS, we are one step closer to ensuring that the centerpiece of the site, the Adriance Farmhouse, is preserved so that future generations can visit and find authentic connection with the city’s agricultural roots.”
Named after third generation family farmer Jacob Adriance, the Adriance Farmhouse was built on the site around 1772 in a style typical of Dutch Colonial framing but following a Colonial New-England style plan. TAG funding will allow the Historic House Trust to work with consultant Michael Devonshire to complete a Limited Conditions Assessment of the historic building to determine the cause of movement of the foundation at the east façade. This analysis will inform the scope of a future capital project to restore the farmhouse and will help rally community supporters and partners to advocate for additional funding to preserve this New York City treasure.
One of New York City’s last operating farms and the longest continually farmed site in New York State, the Queens County Farm Museum is a rare survivor of the city’s agricultural past. First established by the Adriance family in the 17th century, the farm’s 47-acre historic site has produced food and fed New Yorkers for over three centuries. The Queens County Farm Museum welcomes over half a million visitors annually, serving as a vital resource for education, food access, and community engagement. They share the site’s rich history, celebrate local heritage through cultural events, provide fresh, locally grown food to New Yorkers, and demonstrate regenerative agricultural and sustainable horticultural practices.
Sculpture Center, Inc., MEP (Mechanical / Electrical / Plumbing) Analysis, $4,000
This Technical Assistance Grant will enable SculptureCenter to conduct a critical MEP analysis of its 117-year-old industrial building in order to optimize energy efficiency and performance and meet sustainability goals. The study will include a comprehensive assessment of the facility’s building envelope, and current heating and ventilation system that will provide a more holistic understanding of the needs of their unique building that will reduce building emissions and align the organization with green initiatives. The MEP Analysis follows an earlier Limited Condition Assessment, also funded through a Technical Assistance Grant. SculptureCenter will work with consultants from Stratco Property Solutions to complete the analysis.
SculptureCenter leads the conversation on contemporary art by supporting artistic innovation and independent thought highlighting sculpture's specific potential to change the way we engage with the world. Positioning artists' work in larger cultural, historical, and aesthetic contexts, SculptureCenter discerns and interprets emerging ideas. Founded by artists in 1928, SculptureCenter provides an international forum that connects artists and audiences by presenting exhibitions, commissioning new work, and generating scholarship.
Flux Factory, Engineering / Structural Analysis of the former Alfred Mainzer Greeting Cards Factory, $2,400
"Flux Factory keeps alive a tradition of artists often depicted in '80s movies about NYC, but which has largely been snuffed out,” said Flux Factory Executive Director Nat Roe. “This support from the Preservation League and NYSCA will enable us to enshrine the thumbprint of a historic facade in a changing neighborhood and maintain an idiosyncratic path for artists to navigate urbanism."
Since 2009, Flux Factory has operated out of a former Greeting Card Factory in a historic pre-1930s building in Long Island City. After over a decade of renting the space, the nonprofit took ownership of the property. As stewards of the building, the nonprofit is committed to improving the space which had suffered from deferred maintenance under its previous owner. Flux has studied the building with lead architects Interval Projects, but certain components of the study need additional experts. Technical Assistant Grant support will go towards formally retaining a Structural Engineer to evaluate a portion of the building’s roof. GEI Consultants will complete a structural evaluation and provide repair options that will allow the organization to plan for future work as part of a large-scale building overhaul.
Schenectady County
Village of Scotia, Engineering / Structural Analysis of the Flint House, $2,978
The Flint House, built c. 1830, is owned by the Village of Scotia and used as a museum, archives, and Village Historian's office. After a brief study by an architectural historian, the recommendations included engineering studies of the foundation damage, sills and joists, and drainage around the building. This grant will fund that study and provide an evaluation of these problems, realistic estimates of cost, and a basis to work with the Village Trustees to create a plan for the future of the Flint House. Consultants from Enginuity Engineering & Design, PLLC will conduct the analysis.
Schoharie County
Schoharie County Historical Society, Engineering / Structural Analysis of the Dutch Barn, $4,000
The Dutch Barn was built c.1780, and it is one of the few remaining 18th century Dutch Barns in Schoharie County. This report, conducted by Thaler Reilly Wilson Architecture & Preservation, will assess both the interior and exterior of the Dutch Barn, providing Schoharie County Historical Society with prioritized recommendations taking into account building code for museums as well as a virtual tour of the building in a video format to show to stakeholders in our fundraising efforts. The Society is beginning to move more into the realm of living history interpretation, and the Dutch Barn has the potential to be a centerpiece in living history programming. Once restored, the Barn can be a space for lectures and 18th century farming practices. Outside of living history, the Barn can be a venue for other Society events or events hosted by outside community members.
Suffolk County
The Bridgehampton Museum, Engineering / Structural Analysis of the Corwith House, $4,000
“The Corwith House is an integral part of our local history that everyone sees as they enter Bridgehampton and it is about time for another restoration of the building,” said Connor Flanagan, Bridgehampton Museum Executive Director. “This grant will go along way to helping us to plan our next steps.”
The Bridgehampton Museum’s goal is to make the Corwith House a once again vibrant part of the Bridgehampton Community. The first step in that is to do an assessment of the building and spend the next year making plans for an upcoming restoration to this 19th century farmhouse. The agricultural history of Bridgehampton is incredibly rich and still part of the culture today. The goal of the museum is to have this building highlight this aspect of the local culture with refreshed exhibit spaces and better climatized storage for the museum’s archives. The Museum will work with consultant Benjamin W. Chaleff to complete the analysis.
Mastic Peninsula Historical Society, Limited Condition Assessment of the Capt. J. Hawkins House, $4,000
The Captain J. Hawkins house, sitting on the north side of Montauk Highway in Moriches, represents the only example of Federal style architecture in the Moriches area. Estimated to have been built between 1793 and 1830, the house is directly linked to the Hawkins family, whose stamp on politics and culture in Suffolk County began in the 17th century. In fact, the Captain J. Hawkins house may be the oldest house in the Moriches area. Suffering from significant disrepair, this Limited Condition Assessment will present a recommended plan of action for future rehabilitation work. The Mastic Peninsula Historical Society will work with Zachary N. Studenroth to conduct the assessment.
Sagtikos Manor Historical Society, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Scan of Sagtikos Manor, $4,000
“This is an exciting project to see what's under the surface,” said Nicole Bubolo, SMHS Archival Consultant. “The GPR scan will shine light on the historically significant landscape of Sagtikos Manor.”
GPR is a non-invasive method for capturing below ground images, which will be used to further support Sagtikos Manor Historical Society's (SMHS) research into the historical landscape and uses of the Manor property. Covering all open spaces on the 11-acre property, the GPR report will provide information about the former structures on the property, leading to potential research and rebuilding projects. This service can help locate potential structural foundations, human burial sites, and middens not detectable by traditional methods. SMHS will work with consultants from Blood Hound to perform the scan.
Ulster County
Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History, Specialized Conservation Study, $4,000
“There is nothing more powerful than to stand in the place of those who came before. Bringing history alive not only ignites a sense of nostalgia, but it also offers people a chance to relate, empathize, and engage with everyday life that may not be that different from their own,” said Jill Ammerata, Board President for the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History. “Studying and understanding the historic finishes of the Reher family residences will allow for an authentic, informed approach to the interpretation of the space for future community engagement. We couldn't be more excited to take a deep dive into the Reher family home and learn what it meant to live and work in the Rondout over the course of the 20th century.”
In 2012, Jablonski Building Conservation conducted an Interior Finish Color Investigation and Paint Archaeology Study that focused on the Reher Bakery retail shop and oven room. It eventually helped the museum open its doors to guided bakery tours. At that time, Jablonski also took paint samples within the Reher family apartments. Knowing the historic interior paint colors will help the museum in the restoration of the Reher Family apartment.
Unison Learning Center, Inc., Engineering / Structural Analysis of the Holsted House, $4,000
“We are deeply honored to receive the TAG grant from the Preservation League of New York State,” said Marielena Ferrer-Harrington, Executive Director at Unison Arts. “This funding represents a crucial step in preserving the historic significance of our site while ensuring it remains a vibrant and accessible hub for the arts and community engagement. We are excited to continue the work of honoring our past as we build a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Spring Line Design, a New York State certified Woman-Owned Business (WBE), a federally certified Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), and a New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), will conduct the analysis of the Holsted House, offering a comprehensive report of its current condition. This crucial step will enable informed decision-making about necessary repairs and interventions, ensuring the preservation of the building’s historic integrity.
Village of New Paltz on behalf of the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Center, Hazmat Remediation Study of the Ann Oliver House, $3,600
“We appreciate the Preservation League’s investment in rehabilitating the Ann Oliver House,” said Esi Lewis, Founder and President, MWL Center Board of Directors. “With the TAG grant, the necessary work to make the Ann Oliver House the future home of the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Center will begin this year.”
Consultants from Environmental Consulting & Management Services will conduct a comprehensive asbestos inspection, including siding, flooring, walls, ceiling plaster, and attic insulation. A Hazmat Remediation Study is an important step in the rehabilitation process of the Ann Oliver House, the future home of the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Center (MWLC). The MWLC preserves the Black experience in the Hudson Valley using the lens of free and enslaved lives in Ulster County, New York. The Mission of the Center is to engage, empower, educate, and heal the community through history and culture.
Wyoming County
Arcade Historical Society, Limited Condition Assessment of the Old Fire Hall, $4,000
According to Arcade Historical Society Operations Manager Susan Andrews, “The Old Fire Hall on Liberty Street is a treasured landmark in Arcade and plays a big part in the community’s mission to preserve and promote local history.”
Built in 1939, the Old Fire Hall houses the historical society’s office, archival storage, community lecture hall, and gallery. The first floor also contains an office and storage areas for the appointed historian of the Town and Village of Arcade. Society will use the grant to fund a Limited Condition Assessment of the building. The resulting report from Clinton Brown Company Architecture will help determine what preservation work is needed. Society can then implement best practices to maintain and preserve the structure for many years to come.
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. Additional generous support is provided by the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation for projects on Long Island, and the Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area for the projects within the National Heritage Area boundary. The TAG program supports arts centers, historic sites, music halls, theaters, and other cultural nonprofit or municipal entities that steward historic buildings throughout New York State.
“New York’s renowned arts and cultural sites not only benefit their communities today, but must plan to serve the residents, learners, and visitors of tomorrow,” said Erika Mallin, Executive Director of NYSCA. “NYSCA is proud to provide this key funding for organizations to identify their needs and proactively design their futures. Congratulations to all of this year’s grantees, we applaud your dedication and commitment to preserving the arts and culture of this great state.”
“The Hudson River Valley Greenway is proud to support the Preservation League's TAG program which prioritizes the value of New York's built environment,” Said Andy Kitzmann, Executive Director of the Hudson River Valley Greenway. “Together, we help to ensure community leaders, volunteers, and preservation supporters have the strong foundation needed in their ongoing efforts to improve our region's historic places.”
"The Robert David Lion Gardiner's partnership with the Preservation League of New York State offers our historic stewards an opportunity to secure professional services and assessments for historic preservation and conservation,” said Kathryn M. Curran, Executive Director of the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation. “We are delighted with this collaboration with the Preservation League and NYSCA, which was begun in 2016 and will hopefully go well into the future."
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 $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.