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Community Foundation Announces Lewis County Historic
Preservation Fund Grant Recipients
Published: October 09, 2025
at 11:00 a.m.
By: Press Release from Northern New York Community
Foundation
Community Foundation Announces Lewis County Historic
Preservation Fund Grant Recipients
Three Organizations will Share $51,900 for Projects
at Places of Historical Significance;
Second Round of Funding Now Open
WATERTOWN — Three local
organizations will share $51,900 in grant funding from the Northern New
York Community Foundation’s Lewis County Historic Preservation Fund for
projects at places of historical significance.
Earlier this
year, the Community Foundation announced a funding opportunity of up to
$100,000 to celebrate the rich historical heritage of Lewis County through
support for historic preservation and restoration projects.
Historic
preservation holds significant value by preserving history, fostering
community identity, and offering economic and environmental benefits,
contributing to the quality of life in our region. It helps residents
understand our past, connect with our heritage, and create a stronger sense
of place while adding character to the landscape of our communities.
“We are pleased
to partner with these organizations to help care for and restore important
historical properties in Lewis County as a link to our local heritage,”
said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director.
“We are hopeful this first round of grants will encourage others to
consider ways we can assist in preserving area landmarks so that future
generations can fully enjoy, appreciate and lean from them.”
The following
organizations will receive grant funding from the Lewis County Historic
Preservation Fund:
§ Constable Hall
Association, Constableville, $24,500 to help complete needed repairs and
restoration of the Servants Quarters, which is presently used for storage.
Officials plan to gradually transition the Servants Quarters into displays
of “Every Day Working Life” in Lewis County. Constable Hall was added to
the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Built in the early 19th
century, it served as the home of the Constable family, early settlers and
leaders who helped shape the region’s development during the 19th century.
§ Adirondack
Mennonite Heritage Association, $20,000 to help with needed repairs to
the Adirondack Mennonite Heritage Farm, listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. The farm preserves the mid-19th century John Moser
homestead, an example of an early Mennonite settlement in Lewis County.
Today, the property is operated as a museum and cultural site interpreting
the history, faith, and lifestyle of the region’s Mennonite community.
Funding will aid with restoration of the front and side porches of the
farmhouse to preserve the building’s historic character and improve visitor
safety.
§ Society for the
Preservation of West Martinsburg Church, $7,400 to help repair and
stabilize the church’s original fieldstone foundation and replace a
deteriorated walkway. Improvements are critical to preserving the
structural integrity of the building and ensuring safe access for visitors.
Built in 1840, the is one of the earliest rural churches in Northern New
York. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, it is one
of only a few surviving historic structures in West Martinsburg, a hamlet
that was once home to several businesses and institutions. The church also
houses artifacts and documents from the congregation and surrounding
community, serving as a museum.
The Foundation is
now seeking proposals from eligible Lewis County organizations for a second
round of funding totaling up to $48,100.
Eligible
applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and churches located
entirely within Lewis County, that plan to undertake historic preservation
or restoration. Projects should focus on the preservation or restoration of
places of legitimate historical significance and significant historical
community landmarks. For this program, cemeteries are not eligible for
consideration.
Applicants should
also adhere to the following criteria:
§ Properties slated
for historic preservation or restoration must be wholly owned by the
applicant organization
§ Funding is
available for projects that specifically address the exterior of existing
structures or elements
§ Funding priority
will be for properties easily accessed and enjoyed by the public
§ No grants will be
awarded for additions or modifications that substantially alter the
historic nature and character of the property
Complete grant
proposals must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7,
2025, through the Community Foundation’s online grant portal, which may
be accessed at bit.ly/grant-portal.
The Foundation
will accommodate several grants that are meaningful within the total
funding available. Successful applicants may receive full or partial
funding, with consideration of the priorities previously described and the
number of worthy projects.
Applicants are
strongly encouraged to contact the Community Foundation to discuss the
amount being requested prior to submission. Requests will not be considered
for work commencing before December 31, 2025. Reimbursement for
prior expenses will not be considered. Email Kraig Everard, director
of philanthropy, kraig@nnycf.org ,
or call 315-782-7110 with any questions.
The Community
Foundation will notify all applicants of the status of their grant proposal
no later than early January 2026. Funding will be disbursed in advance of
the start of the project, based on demonstrated need and project timeline.
About the
Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the
Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and
enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson,
Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through
partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual
donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an
endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment
to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for
generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community
philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community
Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors,
professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring
people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy
Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative
solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live,
work, and play.
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