The Glen Conservancy President Ronald Burch said, “The Conservancy is extremely appreciative and pleased to receive this grant. Conservancy Hall is a major contributing component of the hamlet of Glen’s National Register Historic District, and this award will greatly assist in our efforts to preserve and continue to stabilize this historic structure.”

 

Most of the glass and muntins (the vertical dividers that separate glass panes within a window) in Conservancy Hall are original to the building but have deteriorated over the years. Alden Witham of Contractors' Millwork, Inc., in Sharon Springs, NY, will restore eight double-hung Federal period (circa 1831) windows, which feature 30-over-30 light sash and Gothic-patterned muntins in segmentally arched transoms.

 

The Glen Conservancy was established in 2002 with the mission of engaging in educational and cultural activities in support of the built and natural environments, encouraging historic preservation, and preserving rural character and open spaces in the hamlet of Glen and greater Town of Glen, Montgomery County, NY. The timber-frame structure that is now called Conservancy Hall was built in 1830 for the congregation of the True Dutch Reformed Church of Glen and Charleston. It was in regular used for community meetings, pancake suppers, and cultural events until a major transverse beam and most of the ceiling collapsed due to hidden water damage in 2013. The Glen Conservancy acquired the building and, with the assistance of neighbors and volunteers, cleared the debris and reinforced the roofing truss system. They are now in the process of restoring the structure to return it to use as a community arts and cultural center.

The Preservation League of NYS is thrilled to share that the Glen Conservancy is among six capital projects that will receive funding from its Preservation Opportunity Fund in 2025.

“The League's Preservation Opportunity Fund provides crucial capital funding for urgent preservation projects,” said Caitlin Meives, Director of Preservation at the Preservation League of NYS. “We are thrilled to be able to support the hands-on preservation work each of our grantees is undertaking, ensuring these historic places can continue to serve their communities for many years to come.”

 

As Preservation League President Jay DiLorenzo said when the grant program was first announced last year, “We have seen a clear need from nonprofits across the state for more grant funding specifically for capital improvement projects. Through our Preservation Opportunity Fund, we hope to meet some of that need.”