New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $1.2 million increase in funding for the state’s historical centers. The Weeksville Heritage Center, a site significant to pre-Civil War history, will receive $1 million, while the Eastville Historical Society will receive $200,000 to support improvements to its facilities.
According to the Governor’s office, the Weeksville Heritage Center in Crown Heights, founded in 1838, serves as an educational and historical resource for the local community, including public school students in New York City. The $1 million in state funding will support educational programs and tours, as well as restoration work on the Hunterfly Road Houses to preserve the site’s historical significance.
The Eastville Historical Society in Sag Harbor will use $200,000 in state funding to improve its facilities, including renovations to its basement to support workshops, classes, and expanded storage for research materials. The Society works to preserve the intertwined histories of African American, Native American, and European communities in the area. Assemblywoman Latrice Walker expressed support for the funding, highlighting the state’s investment in local historical institutions.
The funding for these historical institutions is part of Governor Hochul’s broader initiative to support organizations that preserve the heritage of diverse communities. Senator Zellnor Myrie noted the importance of protecting sites significant to Black history, emphasizing the value of preserving this legacy.
