The Yates County History Center recently received funding from Greater Hudson Heritage Network to conserve a portrait of Joseph Thayer Sr., with Klara Zold, of Corning, contracted to perform the conservation work. The portrait is one of three paintings of the Thayer family of Barrington in the History Center’s collection – the other two depicting Thayer Sr.’s wife, Samantha, and his son, Joseph Thayer Jr. – and the second of the three to be conserved.
The conservation of this painting is being supported through the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Program administered by Greater Hudson Heritage Network. The program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
All of the portraits were donated by Ann Hallock, of Hannacroix, a descendant of the Thayer family. This painting of Joseph Thayer Sr. dates from around 1850 and has been in storage since it entered the History Center’s collection. Joseph Sr. was undersheriff of Yates County and a grocer. Joseph Jr. served as a guard at Elmira Prison during the Civil War.
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