NEWSLETTER
Kinderhook, NY (June 15, 2023) – The Columbia County Historical Society announced today a grant award totaling $10,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), part of a record capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $42 million to 144 capital projects across New York State.
The grant will support an energy-efficient boiler replacement at the CCHS Museum & Library, 5 Albany Avenue, Kinderhook. The building, which also houses the Society’s offices and historical collections, was built as a masonic temple in 1925. “Our decades-old boiler failed several times over the winter, incurring repair costs and making it impossible to open the building for staff and visitors,” said CCHS Executive Director Lisa Weilbacker. She added, “We are very grateful to NYSCA for this grant as it will help us reduce energy costs, operate without interruption, and further protect our irreplaceable collections.”
Governor Kathy Hochul said, “Strengthening our creative sector increases tourism, boosts our economy, and enhances the rich heritage and cultural life of New York State. These record grants will support a wide range of diverse and innovative projects at our arts and cultural organizations across the state, helping ensure all who visit will continue to have wonderful experiences for years to come.”
NYSCA Executive Director Mara Manus said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature for this fifth year of significant capital funding. This investment affirms the pivotal role the arts and culture play in our state's economic prosperity. A round of applause to the Columbia County Historical Society – your transformative project will ensure that our vibrant arts and cultural anchors continue to grow and thrive."
NYSCA Chair Katherine Nicholls said, “These capital project grants are an investment from the people of New York to the people of New York and will have positive impact on our communities for many years to come. On behalf of the Council and staff, I congratulate the Columbia County Historical Society and look forward to seeing all that will flourish from this project.”
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About the Columbia County Historical Society
Columbia County Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) cultural education organization founded in 1916 and chartered by the NYS Department of Education Board of Regents to collect, preserve, interpret and present the history, heritage and culture of Columbia County, New York, for its residents and visitors. CCHS serves residents of all eighteen towns and the City of Hudson. In addition to a research library and a permanent collection of more than 15,000 objects, CCHS owns and maintains the CCHS Museum & Library and three additional historic properties: the National Historic Landmark Luykas Van Alen House (1737); James Vanderpoel ‘House of History’ (c. 1820); and Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse (c. 1850).
About the New York State Council On the Arts
NYSCA preserves and advances the arts and culture that make New York State an exceptional place to live, work and visit. NYSCA upholds the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development, and quality of life. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, NYSCA will award record funding in FY 2023, providing support across the full breadth of the arts.
NYSCA 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, NYSCA is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit http://www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.
For more information, please contact: Communications@cchsny.org
Image: CCHS Museum & Library