Adams Historical Society Gives Boost to Anthony Museum
 Photo by Eugene Michalenko
Adams Historical Society Vice President Jack Tarsa presents Susan B. Anthony Museum leader Carol Crossed, Executive Director Martha Dailey and museum supporter Mary Lou Beaudin with a $10,000 donation. |
Local historian and society President Eugene Michalenko said part of the society's mandate is to encourage the preservation of historic buildings, monuments and markers.
"The Anthony homestead is not only a critical piece of Adams heritage, it is of national significance," he said.
The house at 67 East Road is on the National Register of Historic Places and was built in 1818 by Anthony's father, Daniel. Anthony lived there as a child until her family moved to New York State.
Anthony was an early champion of women's rights, particularly the right to vote. She went around the country speaking on equal rights and petitioned Congress and state legislatures. A prolific writer, she edited and published The Revolution, a suffrage newspaper, and was arrested and tried for casting a ballot in the 1872 election.
The East Road house left the Anthony family's possession some years ago and was used for a short time as a museum in the 1930s before becoming a residence again.
On Friday, April 3rd, Jack Tarsa, vice president of the society will present a check to Carol Crossed, representing the board of directors of the museum.
Carol Crossed of New York purchased the historic home at auction in 2006 with the intent to establish another museum. Preservation has proceeded through two phases from foundation to roof top and an open house was held to was held in February to mark Anthony's 189th birthday.
More than 250 local and area visitors came to see the museum before the final two phases of construction. Restoration will continue through the summer toward an opening projected for Susan B. Anthony Days in August.
"This donation comes just in time for the restoration of the first-floor museum exhibit space," Crossed said. "We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the Adams Historical Society."
The museum received its tax-exempt status in 2008 and operates under a 10-year lease agreement with a board of directors. Paint sampling and analysis has been conducted by a Rhode Island firm, and the architectural firm of Westall Architects has conducted research on 19th-century construction at historic Deerfield and other early 19th-century communities to ensure authenticity of the restoration.
The Adams Historical Society collects, preserves and promulgates the history of Adams. The society collects memorabilia to illustrate the history of the area from its earliest roots and has published a newsletter for 30 years on topics of local history. It also manages and staffs the East Hoosuck Friends Meeting House that was attended by the Anthony family. The society opens the Meeting House every Sunday from July to October.
For more information: www.adamshistorical.org or www.susanbanthonybirthplace.org.
