News

Spring Gala Time!

The 1890 House and Center for the Victorian Arts presents the annual spring gala! This is the party of the season--be sure to be there. The gala will be held on Friday, May 9, 2008 at the gorgeous SUNY Cortland Alumni House, adjacent to the 1890 House.

Those of you "in the know" will remember that the Alumni House was built by Chester Wickwire's son. The house is a terrific place to celebrate Cortland's history and have a great time meeting old and new friends while supporting a very worth cause.

Tickets for the Spring Gala are available by calling the 1890 House at 607-756-7551 or by e-mailing the1890house@verizon.net. You can also contact any board member for tickets!

Come have a great time and support the 1890 House!

1890 House Receives NYSCA Grant!

Marianne Bertini, president of the 1890 House Museum is pleased to announce the receipt of a NYSCA grant of $10,500.00 to allow museum staff members and Consultant Linda Norris of Riverhill, Inc, to create a new interpretative plan that will engage the public in an updated exploration of the museums unique architectural and community history. The grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency, will allow the 1890 House Museum to create a new interpretative plan that investigates the 19th century from new perspectives which include, Ardell Wickwire, the lady of the house and wife to Chester Wickwire founder of Wickwire Brothers Inc., Frederic Wickwire the youngest son of Chester and Ardell, and from that of a servant's living in the Wickwire home. These varying points of view are very important they are usually overlooked in typical interpretation at historical house museums. In addition, it is hoped that other unique stories and threads will be discovered that will allow the 1890 House Museum to broaden its cultural and historical overview of the Gilded era and enhance educational programming, exhibits, and ultimately the museum's significance in the community.

NYSCA grants are offered to help museums and historical societies strengthen and develop their institutions and work with their communities. NYSCA provides over 2,700 grants each year to arts organizations throughout NY state. NYSCA's goal is to bring high-quality artistic programs to NY citizens by supporting the activities of nonprofit art and cultural organizations. The Museum Program at NYSCA supports the advancement of museums with the notion that clear planning and direction creates stronger institutions, and that partnerships and collaboration can help broaden a museums perspective which leads to better reaching its audience. The Program values projects that make the arts and culture relevant to contemporary life, which is the primary goal the 1890 House Museum plans to achieve with this funding.

Community donations are still needed to help make our renovations and repairs a reality. Feel free to send a tax-deductible donation to the 1890 House today! You can also contact the 1890 House to see what you can do to help make our dreams a reality.