Seward Secures $50,000 Grant for Middletown History Center

MIDDLETOWN, 09/05/18 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref-Oneonta) today joined officials from the Historical Society of the Town of Middletown (HSM) to announce a $50,000 state grant to help fund development of the Middletown History Center. 

“The Historical Society of the Town of Middletown is making major strides to preserve the town’s past and showcase local history for future generations to enjoy,” said Senator Seward.  “I am extremely pleased to partner with the historical society to further enhance the work which is taking place to establish a functioning archives and research center.  This $50,000 state grant is an investment that will help the history center grow, create a new community gathering place, and allow more people to learn about Middletown’s storied past.”

HSM President Diane Galusha said, “All of us at the Historical Society of the Town of Middletown are so grateful to Senator Seward for his steadfast support of our vision.  As a relatively young organization, we have grown quickly and are excited as we take on this new challenge of building a lasting history center that will protect our collection of historical materials and allow for future growth.”

HSM was born in 2004 when 25 area residents met at Fairview Library to explore the possibility of establishing an association of history enthusiasts to collect, preserve, and share Middletown’s heritage.  

The organization is headquartered at 778 Cemetery Road, Margaretville in a building that originally served as the clubhouse of the Izaak Walton League, a sporting/conservation organization, and later the home of the New Kingston Valley Grange.  Historical items donated to or acquired by the society have been stored at the Middletown Town Hall, but the collection has outgrown the allotted space.   

In recent years, several upgrades have been made to the hall and the HSM has designed a 1,600 square foot, year-round addition that will include:

• Archives storage and work space;
• Reading/multipurpose room;
• Exhibit space;
• Office/lobby;
• ADA-compliant restrooms.

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $350,000.

“The Catskills has so much to offer visitors and residents alike and the Middletown History Center will be one more drawing card.  The historical society has a terrific vision and strong community backing that will ensure this project’s success,” Seward concluded.

The $50,000 grant is under the State and Municipal Facilities (SAM) capital program and is administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).

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