Ranzenhofer Secures $50,000 for Artisan Education Workshop at Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village

New multiple-use structure to support growing demand for community programming 

Amherst, NY– New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced today $50,000 in state funding to build an Artisan Education Building– on Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village’s (BNHV) 35-acre historic campus– that will help to create new opportunities for programming, jobs training and student field trips.

“I am proud to play a role in the next exciting phase of development at the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village. This state investment will support enhanced community programming and jobs training for new skills at the historic village,” said Ranzenhofer. 

Plans call for recreating a historic industrial building from the Buffalo Niagara region during the late 1800s. The new building is the first step in creating an Artisan Village that will eventually feature additional shops, including pottery, printing and tin smithing.

BNHV Woodwrights Guild will construct the new building in phases, along with students, as part of a Workforce Development Entry Program. Members of the community will be able to sign up for classes to learn new skills. Class offerings will include Timber Framing, Historic Foundation, Historic Furnishings, Historic Glazing, and Historic Metal Roofing.

BNHV’s campus-wide facilities are currently in a state of gridlock due to high demand for workshop space from numerous new and forming volunteer artisan organizations. The new building will provide needed space to adequately support increased demand for community opportunities, such as long-term workshops and classroom programs. It will also enhance hands-on demonstrations for the nearly 4,000 school-aged children that visit the Village annually.
 
“Our goal is to be Western New York’s destination to learn and explore regional history through learning skills and trades long forgotten, but appreciated now and sought after more than ever. This state investment, secured by Senator Ranzenhofer, is critical to our efforts to further grow and develop as an Educational Campus,” said BNHV Executive Director Herbert Schmidt III.

The new structure will be located near the Blacksmith Shop and Farmstead. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $70,000. Construction is expected to begin this Fall and be completed in multiple phases over the next two years.

About Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village
BNHV is a private, 501-c (3) not-for-profit organization that is committed to making regional history a vital part of the Western New York community and to educating its citizenry in learning to shape a better future for all. BNHV currently serves over 25,000 guests and volunteers eager to explore, learn and enjoy the 35 acres historic campus and museum complex. For more information, visit http://bnhv.org/.

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