Bright Future For Historic Herkimer Home

HERKIMER, 04/04/12 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) and Assemblyman Marc Butler (R/C/I-Newport) today announced continued state funding that will keep General Herkimer Home open and provide for future needs at the historic site.

“When Herkimer Home was threatened last year I vowed to do everything in my power to protect this vital piece of local history,” said Senator Seward. “In 2011, I was able to secure $100,000 in state funding to provide for the immediate needs at Herkimer Home and begin future planning. I am pleased to announce that another $100,000 allocation is included in the 2012-2013 budget securing the future of Herkimer Home.”

“The local community and especially the Friends of Herkimer Home have been instrumental in ensuring the story of General Herkimer will live on,” said Assemblyman Butler. “New York State is faced with difficult budget decisions but decimating our local history should not be the result.”

Senator Seward and Assemblyman Butler have worked closely with state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey, the Friends of Herkimer Home, the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce, and local elected officials to map out a plan to ensure the future viability of Herkimer Home.

“Commissioner Harvey is well aware of how special Herkimer Home is and has vowed to keep the site open. I appreciate her commitment to our local history and am pleased to work with her and her staff, in breathing new life into this local treasure,” stated Senator Seward.

“The Friends of Herkimer Home took on an increased role in providing programming last year and the volunteer group’s dedication is essential to the home’s future. I commend their devotion, without it, the gates to Herkimer Home would not be opening this year,” added Assemblyman Butler.

“The Friends of Herkimer Home are truly grateful for the support of Senator Seward and Assemblyman Butler, along with the local community,” said Barbara Mielcarski, president of the Friends of Herkimer Home. “The Herkimer Home represents such a significant part of our heritage and history, keeping the site open so that people can continue to learn of General Herkimer’s contributions is critical.”

During 2011 the Herkimer Home operated as a “satellite” site of the Glimmerglass State Park in Cooperstown. In 2012, an on-site seasonal director will work with the Friends of Herkimer Home to coordinate programming and events. Additionally, funding will be used for interpretive staff, a new security/fire alarm system, equipment, supplies and other services.

“Herkimer Home is no longer under a cloud of potential closure. Now we need to take additional steps to ensure the site’s future role in enhancing our growing tourism industry,” said Assemblyman Butler.

“State park use is on the rise and Herkimer Home offers visitors another reason to come to Herkimer County and the Mohawk Valley - preserving and developing this landmark is vital,” concluded Senator Seward.

The traditional start to the Herkimer Home season, the annual Sugaring Off Celebration, will be held on Sunday, April 15th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

-30-