Ritchie Secures Funding To Help Preserve Historic Remington Art

While at the Frederic Remington Art Museum Monday, State Senator Patty Ritchie announced she has secured $100,000 in special state funding to help the musesum preserve its internationally acclaimed collection of original Remington paintings, sketches and sculptures.

Funds secured by Senator Ritchie will help the Ogdensburg-based museum upgrade its heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Recently, museum officials called on Senator Ritchie for help to upgrade the system, which has been in use for two decades.  Upgrading the museum’s HVAC system will help to protect artwork from damage, as fluctuating climate could potentially harm the museum’s bronze sculptures, oil paintings and other works.

“When the museum contacted me to tell me that its heating, ventilation and air conditioning system needed to be replaced, I understood it was very important to find a way for the State of New York to help preserve this priceless collection for future generations,” said Senator Ritchie “It is my hope that this funding will help strengthen the museum, and ensure it remains a point of pride for the North Country for many years to come.”

“Our unmatched Fred​e​ric Remington​ ​collection is ​an incomparable asset, and it must be cared for,” said Laura Foster, Executive Director of the Frederic Remington Art Museum.  “We cannot thank Senator Ritchie enough for her support, which will allow us to make the necessary improvements to our building and help preserve these iconic works for posterity and the people of New York.”

“Simply put, the Frederic Remington Art Museum is a treasure,” said Frederic Remington Board of Trustees President Kathy Wade. “We cannot thank Senator Ritchie enough for her assistance in securing this important grant, which will help protect the works of Frederic Remington and ensure our museum remains a gem of the North Country for many years to come.”

An American illustrator, painter, sculptor and writer, Frederic Remington was born in Canton, New York in 1861.  He became famous for his depictions of the Old American West with images of cowboys, Native Americans and the U.S. Cavalry. In 2023, the Frederic Remington Art Museum—which was established in 1923—will celebrate its 100th anniversary. 

(Attn. photo editors: Senator Ritchie is pictured in the above photo at Monday’s announcement with Frederic Remington Art Museum Executive Director Laura Foster)