2022 NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grants Announced: $191,886 Awarded Across New York State
The Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN) and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) are awarding $191,886 in conservation treatment grants to 32 organizations, located in 16 New York counties. Conservation Treatment Grants fund professional conservation to stabilize and preserve historical objects and works of art in New York museums, history centers, and cultural organizations. The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation is generously providing 50% of the funding for conservation treatment projects in Nassau & Suffolk counties and New York City.
Over the past year, the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grants guidelines were revised to make funding more accessible for projects that reflect the spectrum of communities and cultures across New York State. Supported conservation projects include five stoneware vessels made by 19th century African-American potter Thomas Commeraw at the New-York Historical Society; the preservation of a Mohican/Munsee wood-splint basket at the Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz; and a portrait of Lucille Armstrong by Samuel Countee at the Louis Armstrong Museum. A full list of recipients can be found below.
“The field of conservation is continually changing,” noted Greater Hudson Heritage Network Executive Director Priscilla Brendler. “It requires practitioners who have demonstrated high levels of proficiency and advanced knowledge, adherence to the ethics and standards of the American Institute of Conservation (AIC), and are recognized for their expertise in the museum field. We are so pleased that these awards will involve 13 individual conservators and 5 conservation labs - all members of the AIC.”
NYSCA Executive Director Mara Manus said, “Working with the Greater Hudson Heritage Network, NYSCA funding will measurably contribute to the conservation of our rich cultural heritage. From the sculptures of Emma Stebbins, the first female to receive public art commissions in New York City to an early example of a WWI Blue Star Mother’s Flag, these fascinating objects will share the stories of their creation for generations to come. On behalf of the entire NYSCA team – we are grateful to all the grantees for their essential contributions to preserving our history and contributing to the cultural bounty of New York.”
2022 Conservation Grant Recipients:
Albany County Historical Association
(Albany County)
$6,897 for the conservation of a c. 1885 Duparquet & Huot Plate Warmer. The object is a focal point in the Ten Broeck Mansion’s butler’s pantry helping to tell the story of the African-American, Irish and German servants who worked there. Conservator: Williamstown Art Conservation Center.
Bowne House Historical Society, Inc.*
(Queens County)
$7,500 for the conservation of a 19th century Black doll. The doll will become part of an exhibition focused on the Bowne and Parsons families’ involvement in the Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad as well as the free Black community within Flushing. Conservator: The Textile Conservation Workshop.
Cayuga Museum of History and Art
(Cayuga County)
$3,963 for the conservation of gouache and ink drawing of the Nye & Wait Carpet factory complex in Auburn NY (c.1889). Conservator: West Lake Conservators.
Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council*
(Suffolk County)
$3,365 for the conservation of a Service flag, also called a Blue Star Mothers Flag (c.1917). Designed and patented by WWI Army Captain Robert L. Queisser in 1917, the flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in service. As they often hung outdoors, few survive. Conservator: The Textile Conservation Workshop.
Dansville Area Historical Society
(Livingston County)
$1,500 for the conservation of the chromolithograph “Our Home on the Hillside” by Sage & Sons Co. (1878). Conservator: Gary E. Albright.
Dyckman Farmhouse Museum Alliance*
(New York County)
$4,530 for the textile conservation of embroidered sampler created by Martha Dyckman (early 1780). Conservator: Spicer Art Conservation.
East Hampton Historical Society*
(Suffolk County)
$6,014 for the textile conservation of a Sack Coat from the Civil War era, overcoat with cape from the Civil War, Silk Jacket Bodice from the late 19th century and Men’s Wool Tailcoat circa 1820-35. Conservator: Spicer Art Conservation.
Fenimore Art Museum
(Otsego County)
$7,500 for the conservation of a painted wooden figure depicting the Reverend Campbell (c.1880) attributed to Thomas Brooks. The figure will go on display in the museum’s Folk Art Gallery, where the public will learn both about the conservation and the story of this free, empowered man of African descent. Conservator: Williamstown Art Conservation Center.
Friends of Rock Hall, Inc.*
(Nassau County)
$5,699 for the conservation of two open-air indoor archaeological features in the foundation of Rock Hall House. Conservator: Cultural Preservation and Restoration.
Hispanic Society of America*
(New York County)
$7,495 for the textile conservation of 6 Mantones (shawls) dated between 1800 and 1920s. Among objects that Spanish immigrants brought to America, these shawls will be featured in a future exhibition centered on diverse cultures and the immigrant experience developed as a result of trade routes. Conservator: Anna Andreeva.
Historic Cherry Hill
(Albany County)
$7,500.00 for the conservation of a pair of 19th-century male and female Black dolls associated with Minnie Knapp. Raised at Cherry Hill, Minnie was a servant and a ward of the family. Once conserved the dolls will be interpreted as part of the museum’s 4th and 5th grade program and become part of new interpretive techniques on the house tour. Conservator: Williamstown Art Conservation Center.
Historical Society of Woodstock
(Ulster County)
$2,750 for the conservation of works on paper "Flowers" by William H. Arlt (1869-1952). Conservator: Sarah Dove Fine Art Conservation.
Historic Huguenot Street
(Ulster County)
$4,888 for the conservation of a Mohican/Munsee wood-splint basket with lid (c. late 18th/19th centuries). The object will be featured in an upcoming exhibition seeking to dispel misconceptions about Indigenous people in the region. Conservator: A.M. Art Conservation, LLC.
Howland Stone Store Museum
(Cayuga County)
$7,495 for the conservation of double-sided street banner “Vote For Woman Suffrage Amendment No.1" used in the 1917 campaign. Conservator: Spicer Art Conservation.
Hudson River Museum
(Westchester County)
$5,850 for the conservation of the ink drawing “Equis Dream” by the artist Alvin C. Hollingsworth (c.1960). The works will be part of a retrospective of this significant African-American artists and art educator. Conservator: Valerie Faivre Paper Conservation. Mounting and framing: Christina Zuccari.
Lindenhurst Historical Society*
(Suffolk County)
$7,500 for the conservation of two historic bicycles: a chainless bicycle (c.1900) and a velocipede (c.1882). Conservator: Kate Wight LLC.
Louis Armstrong House Museum*
(Queens County)
$7,500 for the conservation of oil on canvas of Lucille Armstrong (c.1940), dancer and wife of jazz musician Louis Armstrong, painted by artist Samuel Countee. The painting figures prominently in the house tour and serves as an introduction of the importance of Lucille who dedicated her life to preserving her husband’s legacy and serving her community. Conservator: Carolyn Jean Tomkiewicz.
Merchants House Museum*
(New York County)
$7,100 for the conservation of paper Rose and Lion Bandboxes (c.1845). Conservator: Found Object Art Conservation.
Museum of Chinese in America*
(New York County)
$2,200 for the conservation of a wooden drawer that holds school records of Chinese immigrant students born in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who attended various schools in Manhattan. To be exhibited in the new core exhibition, the drawer and its records help share stories of the expansion and development of Chinatown. Conservator: A.M. Art Conservation.
New-York Historical Society*
(New York County)
$4,588 for the conservation of five stoneware vessels made by free Black potter Thomas W. Commeraw who operated his own pottery in lower Manhattan from about 1797 to 1819. The pottery will be featured in an upcoming exhibition telling the story of his life. Conservator: Give Me A Break Conservation Services.
Niagara County Historical Society
(Niagara County)
$7,032 for the conservation of a framed oil on canvas portrait painting of Belva Ann Bennett McNall Lockwood (1830-1917) by M. W. Clark. Conservator: Great Lakes Art Conservation.
Niagara University - Castellani Art Museum
(Niagara County)
$5,200 for the conservation of oil on canvas painting “The Sunburst” by artist George Inness Jr. (1853-1926). Conservator: Great Lakes Art Conservation.
Old Westbury Gardens*
(Nassau County)
$7,450 for the conservation of a George II mahogany and needlepoint fire screen (1745). Conservator: A.M. Art Conservation, LLC.
Renee & Chaim Gross Foundation*
(New York County)
$7,500 for the conservation of a late 19th century Nigerian face mask (Mwaw) surmounted by double headed antelope, horse, and two leopards. The mask will be featured in an upcoming exhibition focused on the abstraction of the human form in African, Oceanic, and Pre-Columbian/Pre-Hispanic works. Conservator: Found Object Conservation.
Seymour Public Library District
(Cayuga County)
$7,500 for the conservation of oil on canvas portrait of James S. Seymour by artist Charles Loring Elliott (1839). Conservator: West Lake Conservators.
Skaneateles Library
(Onondaga County)
$7,500 for the conservation of oil on canvas painting “Conflicting Faiths” by artist DeCost Smith (c.1888). Conservator: West Lake Conservators.
The Friends of Alice Austen House*
(Richmond County)
$3,880 for the conservation of a late-19th or early-20th century Indian octagonal carved and inlayed table. Owned by photographer Alice Austen and her partner Gertrude Tate, it is one of few original objects in the house. The table helps tell the story of the challenges facing LGBTQ+ couples at the turn of the century as well as their eventual eviction from the house and separation. Conservator: Traditional Line Ltd.
The Heckscher Museum of Art*
(Suffolk County)
$7,500 for the conservation of two marble sculptures “Lotus Eater” and “Sandalphon,” created by sculptor Emma Stebbins (1860). Stebbins was the first woman to receive a public art commission from New York City. These works were completed while living in Rome with her partner, the actress Charlotte Cushman. Conservator: Tatti Art Conservation.
The Madoo Conservancy, Inc.*
(Suffolk County)
$5,600 for the conservation of wall mounted mixed media sculpture “Rin Tin Tin” created by Robert Dash (1968). Conservator: New York Art Conservation.
Thomas Cole Historic House
(Greene County)
$7,500 for the conservation of oil on canvas painting “Voyage of Life: Old Age” by artist Sarah Cole (1805-1857). Conservator: Williamstown Art Conservation Center.
University of Rochester/Memorial Art Gallery
(Monroe County)
$5,887 for the conservation of oil on canvas self-portrait by artist Kathleen McEnery Cunningham (1885-1971). Conservator: Hamm Arts, LLC.
Yates County History Center
(Yates County)
$7,500 for the conservation oil on canvas portrait of Joseph Thayer, Sr. (1809-1871) by unknown artist. Conservator: Zold Art Conservation.
* Indicates additional funding from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation
Over the past year, the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grants guidelines were revised to make funding more accessible for projects that reflect the spectrum of communities and cultures across New York State. Supported conservation projects include five stoneware vessels made by 19th century African-American potter Thomas Commeraw at the New-York Historical Society; the preservation of a Mohican/Munsee wood-splint basket at the Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz; and a portrait of Lucille Armstrong by Samuel Countee at the Louis Armstrong Museum. A full list of recipients can be found below.
“The field of conservation is continually changing,” noted Greater Hudson Heritage Network Executive Director Priscilla Brendler. “It requires practitioners who have demonstrated high levels of proficiency and advanced knowledge, adherence to the ethics and standards of the American Institute of Conservation (AIC), and are recognized for their expertise in the museum field. We are so pleased that these awards will involve 13 individual conservators and 5 conservation labs - all members of the AIC.”
NYSCA Executive Director Mara Manus said, “Working with the Greater Hudson Heritage Network, NYSCA funding will measurably contribute to the conservation of our rich cultural heritage. From the sculptures of Emma Stebbins, the first female to receive public art commissions in New York City to an early example of a WWI Blue Star Mother’s Flag, these fascinating objects will share the stories of their creation for generations to come. On behalf of the entire NYSCA team – we are grateful to all the grantees for their essential contributions to preserving our history and contributing to the cultural bounty of New York.”
2022 Conservation Grant Recipients:
Albany County Historical Association
(Albany County)
$6,897 for the conservation of a c. 1885 Duparquet & Huot Plate Warmer. The object is a focal point in the Ten Broeck Mansion’s butler’s pantry helping to tell the story of the African-American, Irish and German servants who worked there. Conservator: Williamstown Art Conservation Center.
Bowne House Historical Society, Inc.*
(Queens County)
$7,500 for the conservation of a 19th century Black doll. The doll will become part of an exhibition focused on the Bowne and Parsons families’ involvement in the Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad as well as the free Black community within Flushing. Conservator: The Textile Conservation Workshop.
Cayuga Museum of History and Art
(Cayuga County)
$3,963 for the conservation of gouache and ink drawing of the Nye & Wait Carpet factory complex in Auburn NY (c.1889). Conservator: West Lake Conservators.
Cutchogue-New Suffolk Historical Council*
(Suffolk County)
$3,365 for the conservation of a Service flag, also called a Blue Star Mothers Flag (c.1917). Designed and patented by WWI Army Captain Robert L. Queisser in 1917, the flag quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in service. As they often hung outdoors, few survive. Conservator: The Textile Conservation Workshop.
Dansville Area Historical Society
(Livingston County)
$1,500 for the conservation of the chromolithograph “Our Home on the Hillside” by Sage & Sons Co. (1878). Conservator: Gary E. Albright.
Dyckman Farmhouse Museum Alliance*
(New York County)
$4,530 for the textile conservation of embroidered sampler created by Martha Dyckman (early 1780). Conservator: Spicer Art Conservation.
East Hampton Historical Society*
(Suffolk County)
$6,014 for the textile conservation of a Sack Coat from the Civil War era, overcoat with cape from the Civil War, Silk Jacket Bodice from the late 19th century and Men’s Wool Tailcoat circa 1820-35. Conservator: Spicer Art Conservation.
Fenimore Art Museum
(Otsego County)
$7,500 for the conservation of a painted wooden figure depicting the Reverend Campbell (c.1880) attributed to Thomas Brooks. The figure will go on display in the museum’s Folk Art Gallery, where the public will learn both about the conservation and the story of this free, empowered man of African descent. Conservator: Williamstown Art Conservation Center.
Friends of Rock Hall, Inc.*
(Nassau County)
$5,699 for the conservation of two open-air indoor archaeological features in the foundation of Rock Hall House. Conservator: Cultural Preservation and Restoration.
Hispanic Society of America*
(New York County)
$7,495 for the textile conservation of 6 Mantones (shawls) dated between 1800 and 1920s. Among objects that Spanish immigrants brought to America, these shawls will be featured in a future exhibition centered on diverse cultures and the immigrant experience developed as a result of trade routes. Conservator: Anna Andreeva.
Historic Cherry Hill
(Albany County)
$7,500.00 for the conservation of a pair of 19th-century male and female Black dolls associated with Minnie Knapp. Raised at Cherry Hill, Minnie was a servant and a ward of the family. Once conserved the dolls will be interpreted as part of the museum’s 4th and 5th grade program and become part of new interpretive techniques on the house tour. Conservator: Williamstown Art Conservation Center.
Historical Society of Woodstock
(Ulster County)
$2,750 for the conservation of works on paper "Flowers" by William H. Arlt (1869-1952). Conservator: Sarah Dove Fine Art Conservation.
Historic Huguenot Street
(Ulster County)
$4,888 for the conservation of a Mohican/Munsee wood-splint basket with lid (c. late 18th/19th centuries). The object will be featured in an upcoming exhibition seeking to dispel misconceptions about Indigenous people in the region. Conservator: A.M. Art Conservation, LLC.
Howland Stone Store Museum
(Cayuga County)
$7,495 for the conservation of double-sided street banner “Vote For Woman Suffrage Amendment No.1" used in the 1917 campaign. Conservator: Spicer Art Conservation.
Hudson River Museum
(Westchester County)
$5,850 for the conservation of the ink drawing “Equis Dream” by the artist Alvin C. Hollingsworth (c.1960). The works will be part of a retrospective of this significant African-American artists and art educator. Conservator: Valerie Faivre Paper Conservation. Mounting and framing: Christina Zuccari.
Lindenhurst Historical Society*
(Suffolk County)
$7,500 for the conservation of two historic bicycles: a chainless bicycle (c.1900) and a velocipede (c.1882). Conservator: Kate Wight LLC.
Louis Armstrong House Museum*
(Queens County)
$7,500 for the conservation of oil on canvas of Lucille Armstrong (c.1940), dancer and wife of jazz musician Louis Armstrong, painted by artist Samuel Countee. The painting figures prominently in the house tour and serves as an introduction of the importance of Lucille who dedicated her life to preserving her husband’s legacy and serving her community. Conservator: Carolyn Jean Tomkiewicz.
Merchants House Museum*
(New York County)
$7,100 for the conservation of paper Rose and Lion Bandboxes (c.1845). Conservator: Found Object Art Conservation.
Museum of Chinese in America*
(New York County)
$2,200 for the conservation of a wooden drawer that holds school records of Chinese immigrant students born in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who attended various schools in Manhattan. To be exhibited in the new core exhibition, the drawer and its records help share stories of the expansion and development of Chinatown. Conservator: A.M. Art Conservation.
New-York Historical Society*
(New York County)
$4,588 for the conservation of five stoneware vessels made by free Black potter Thomas W. Commeraw who operated his own pottery in lower Manhattan from about 1797 to 1819. The pottery will be featured in an upcoming exhibition telling the story of his life. Conservator: Give Me A Break Conservation Services.
Niagara County Historical Society
(Niagara County)
$7,032 for the conservation of a framed oil on canvas portrait painting of Belva Ann Bennett McNall Lockwood (1830-1917) by M. W. Clark. Conservator: Great Lakes Art Conservation.
Niagara University - Castellani Art Museum
(Niagara County)
$5,200 for the conservation of oil on canvas painting “The Sunburst” by artist George Inness Jr. (1853-1926). Conservator: Great Lakes Art Conservation.
Old Westbury Gardens*
(Nassau County)
$7,450 for the conservation of a George II mahogany and needlepoint fire screen (1745). Conservator: A.M. Art Conservation, LLC.
Renee & Chaim Gross Foundation*
(New York County)
$7,500 for the conservation of a late 19th century Nigerian face mask (Mwaw) surmounted by double headed antelope, horse, and two leopards. The mask will be featured in an upcoming exhibition focused on the abstraction of the human form in African, Oceanic, and Pre-Columbian/Pre-Hispanic works. Conservator: Found Object Conservation.
Seymour Public Library District
(Cayuga County)
$7,500 for the conservation of oil on canvas portrait of James S. Seymour by artist Charles Loring Elliott (1839). Conservator: West Lake Conservators.
Skaneateles Library
(Onondaga County)
$7,500 for the conservation of oil on canvas painting “Conflicting Faiths” by artist DeCost Smith (c.1888). Conservator: West Lake Conservators.
The Friends of Alice Austen House*
(Richmond County)
$3,880 for the conservation of a late-19th or early-20th century Indian octagonal carved and inlayed table. Owned by photographer Alice Austen and her partner Gertrude Tate, it is one of few original objects in the house. The table helps tell the story of the challenges facing LGBTQ+ couples at the turn of the century as well as their eventual eviction from the house and separation. Conservator: Traditional Line Ltd.
The Heckscher Museum of Art*
(Suffolk County)
$7,500 for the conservation of two marble sculptures “Lotus Eater” and “Sandalphon,” created by sculptor Emma Stebbins (1860). Stebbins was the first woman to receive a public art commission from New York City. These works were completed while living in Rome with her partner, the actress Charlotte Cushman. Conservator: Tatti Art Conservation.
The Madoo Conservancy, Inc.*
(Suffolk County)
$5,600 for the conservation of wall mounted mixed media sculpture “Rin Tin Tin” created by Robert Dash (1968). Conservator: New York Art Conservation.
Thomas Cole Historic House
(Greene County)
$7,500 for the conservation of oil on canvas painting “Voyage of Life: Old Age” by artist Sarah Cole (1805-1857). Conservator: Williamstown Art Conservation Center.
University of Rochester/Memorial Art Gallery
(Monroe County)
$5,887 for the conservation of oil on canvas self-portrait by artist Kathleen McEnery Cunningham (1885-1971). Conservator: Hamm Arts, LLC.
Yates County History Center
(Yates County)
$7,500 for the conservation oil on canvas portrait of Joseph Thayer, Sr. (1809-1871) by unknown artist. Conservator: Zold Art Conservation.
* Indicates additional funding from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation
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The NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Grant Treatment Program is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation has provided additional dedicated support for conservation treatment projects on Long Island and New York City.
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For objects funded by the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant Program in previous years, please visit our Past Conservation Treatment Grant Recipients page.