Cow Neck Historical Society Receives Gardiner Grant
Industry: Non Profit & Charity
Grant to Enable Surrounding Communities and Beyond to Freely Visit the Historic House
Port Washington, NY (PRUnderground) December 17th, 2020
The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation has awarded a generous grant of $125,525 to the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society toward their front porch restoration that will provide accessibility to the Sands-Willets House in Port Washington. This historically correct renovation will include the addition of a modern access ramp to allow entry to all, including those with wheelchairs and strollers. Historic house tours, exhibitions, lectures, and other activities will soon be able to be enjoyed by everyone.
According to Chris Bain, President of the Historical Society, “This long overdue project, made possible by the support of The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, will enable everyone in the surrounding communities and beyond to freely visit our historic house and, once there, get a deeper understanding of our fascinating local history.” Project Manager and Past President Fred Blumlein notes that the project is being launched on the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Sands-Willets House, whose western side was built in 1735 by John Sands III, had a front porch added in the 1850s when its new owner, Edmund Willets, enlarged the home in Greek-Revival style. That porch was replaced about 1910 with the striking 65’ long front porch with porte-cochere that you see today. This structure will now be restored in the same architectural manner, with the addition of an accessibility ramp.
The Sands-Willets House is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places and is featured as a historical site on the New York State Revolutionary War Heritage Trail.
For further information, go to www.rdlgfoundation.org or www.cowneck.org or contact fred@cowneck.org.
About Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society
The mission of the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society is to engage people of all ages in programs that highlight the lifestyles of the people and families that lived and worked on the peninsula throughout the years. Central to this mission is the preservation of the Sands Willets House (circa 1735) and the Thomas Dodge Homestead (circa 1721), which the Society operates as house-museums, serving as resources for the community.
