Olver Announces $267k for Berkshire Co Historic Restoration Projects
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John W. Olver (D-1st District) announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a funding bill that includes a total of $267,000 for the restoration of two historic Berkshire County landmarks.Olver secured the funding in the FY10 Interior bill, which the House passed on June 26, 2009. Olver is on the Appropriations Committee and worked to secure the funding. The Senate must still approve its appropriations bill and then both chambers will have to approve a reconciled bill before it goes to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
$150,000 for Hancock Shaker Village
This funding will contribute toward Hancock Shaker Village’s work to perform critical stabilization and water damage mitigation on the Shaker Trustee’s Office.
Congressman John Olver said, “The Trustee’s Office is one of the country’s most significant Shaker buildings. These repairs will ensure that the structure remains structurally sound long into the future.”
The Trustee’s Office was originally built in 1813. Water seepage caused by roof failure and insufficient exterior circulation has damaged significant parts of the structure, which has continuing moisture problems inside and out.
For additional information, please contact: Ellen Spear, 978-505-1484, espear@hancockshakervillage.org
$117,000 for Stockbridge Mission House and Indian Museum
This funding will contribute toward the preservation of the Mission House, including: architectural conservation of the 18th century Connecticut River Valley doorway and clapboards; installation of environmental controls; conservation of furniture and textiles, and re-roofing the adjacent barn. In addition, the Indian Museum’s exhibits will be updated and environmental controls installed.
“Generations of school children have visited the property, and these repairs and improvements will ensure that future generations will be able to come to the Mission House to learn about our area’s history.”
The Mission House includes a house built in 1741 for the Reverend John Sergeant, the first missionary to the Mohican Indians. Today, the Mission House property includes Colonial-style gardens and outbuildings designed in the 1920s, as well as a museum that tells some of the history of the Mohican people.
