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Tonko Announces $46K Award for Historic Cherry Hill

Grant will fund project to reimagine Albany museum for new generation of visitors

AMSTERDAM, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today that Historic Cherry Hill was awarded a grant totaling $46,979 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to fund a project that would revitalize the museum to engage broader audiences, including heritage tourists, younger generations, immigrants and refugees.

“Museums are a vital part of our communities, serving as educational, historical and cultural institutions and directly contributing to our regional economy,” Congressman Tonko said. “Unfortunately, due to this COVID-19 pandemic, many museums are facing the risk of permanent closure, which would mean the loss of tens of thousands of jobs and cherished pieces of our nation’s heritage. Support for our museums is more important than ever, and this funding could not have come at a better moment. My sincere congratulations to Historic Cherry Hill for their well-deserved award. I will continue to advocate for robust funding for our museums so that they are able to continue to educate and inspire those in our Capital Region and beyond.”

Deborah Emmons-Andarawis, Director of Historic Cherry Hill said, “We are incredibly grateful to IMLS for funding this project and could not be more excited to start “digging in.” Historic Cherry Hill has long had a strong reputation for its interpretation of the five-generation home of the Van Rensselaer household; but through this project, we will take a fresh look at the site, working with scholars, interpretive specialists, and members of our community to shine a light on the historic home’s underrepresented voices. We have been planning this project for nearly two years; its launch could not be more timely.”

Tonko has long been a staunch advocate for museums and other cultural sites. He is particularly urging for crucially-needed relief funds for museums during COVID-19, as the museum industry is currently among the most threatened in the nation. Most recently, he led a bipartisan letter from Members of the New York Congressional delegation to House leadership requesting funds for these institutions in federal COVID-19 response.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services delivered this grant through their Inspire! Grants for Small Museums program. The program is awarding 60 grants for a total $2,516,805 this year, with an additional $1,179,367 in non-federal support is leveraging these grants.

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