Cayuga Museum & Seward House Awarded Grants for Project Studies

The Cayuga Museum and the Seward House in Auburn have both received Technical Assistance Grants from the Preservation League of New York State and the New York York State Council on the Arts

The Cayuga Museum has been in operation for nearly 90 years at the Willard-Case Mansion on Genesee Street and part of the property is showing its age. The ornamental cast-iron fence on the property was constructed around 1877 and has become a victim of oxidation, shifting of its limestone bases, and vandalism.

The 34-hundred dollars received from its grant will fund a survey on the condition of the fence and understand the scope of repairs needed.

“This grant will help the Museum understand the scope of repairs needed to this integral part of the historic property’s landscape design and stylistic aesthetic,” said Kirsten Gosch, Executive Director of the Cayuga Museum of History and Art. “The fence is literally the gateway to the property, and its rehabilitation is crucial to the overall preservation of the significant historic landscape.”

The Seward House will use its 4-thousand dollar grant to fund a roof condition assessment survey for the historic South Street location.

“We are thrilled to earn support from the Preservation League of NYS. Because of this grant, the Museum can begin the process of planning extensive repairs on its roof, thereby protecting the building and the collection,” said Mitch Maniccia, Seward House Facilities Manager. “Once again, the Museum is embarking on a transformative historic preservation project.”

Over 68-thousand dollars was awarded to 19 projects across New York State through Technical Assistance Grants.