Southold Historical Society is proud to announce that it is the recipient of the prestigious Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN) Conservation Treatment Grant. The Conservation Treatment Grant is a partnership of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and Greater Hudson Heritage Network (GHHN) that provides support for treatment procedures by professional conservators to aid in stabilizing and preserving objects in collections of museums, historical, and cultural organizations in New York State. The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation has provided additional dedicated support for Southold Historical Society’s project.
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Southold Historical Society has been awarded $7,500 to conserve a lovely Signature Quilt made in Peconic, New York, by Harriet Penny Jefferson (1850-1935) circa 1880. Harriet Penny Jefferson, was from a Peconic farming family, and her husband, Robert Jefferson was the owner of Peconic’s general store. The quilt is composed of 36 blocks in 6 x 6 configuration. The signature blocks contain the names of many familiar, local names such as Prince, Case, Howell, and Wells. The Society holds a portrait by Edith Prellwitz (1864-1944) of the quilt-maker’s granddaughter, Helena Jefferson Meredith, as a child. The conservation work on the signature quilt is to be done by the Textile Conservation Workshop, Inc. of South Salem, New York.
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According to the press release from Priscilla Brendler, GHHN Executive Director, “GHHN strives to provide support for conservation treatments that are executed on the highest professional level. The field of conservation is continually changing, with pioneering research and dissemination of findings on innovative materials and techniques. Although there are many paths into the field of conservation, we acknowledge practitioners who have demonstrated high levels of proficiency and advanced knowledge, adherence to the ethics and standards of the American Institute of Conservation (AIC), and are recognized for their expertise in the museum field. In 2020’s grants, treatment will be provided by 16 individual conservator.”
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Southold Historical Society’s executive director, Deanna Witte-Walker, states, “With multiple community members contributing to this beautiful quilt, it is truly a treasure. We are grateful for the opportunity to have it conserved so that it was be preserved and enjoyed for years to come.” She continues, “Southold Historical Society appreciates the support of preserving local history that this grant from both the Greater Hudson Heritage Network and the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation demonstrates.”
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This year 41 grant applications were received at GHHN from institutions from 26 counties in New York State, requesting an aggregate of $236,164 in grant support. 2020 Conservation Treatment Grant awards range from $1,440 to the maximum amount of $7,500. Southold Historical Society has received the maximum amount of $7,500.
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