RIVERHEAD, NY — The well-loved Hallockville Museum Farm in Riverhead was recently awarded a substantial grant.
The grant award totaling $30,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts will be used to support the organization’s work to preserve Long Island’s family farm heritage and history and to educate individuals about its relevance today, NYSCA said.
The grant is part of New York State’s continued investment in arts and culture. NYSCA has awarded over $80 million since Spring 2023 to more than 1,500 artists and organizations across the state, officials said.
“We are grateful to Governor Hochul and the New York State Council on the Arts for this generous grant which will be used to help pay for operating essentials such as liability insurance and port-a -potties,” said Suzanne Johnson, co-president of the Hallockville Museum Farm board of directors. “Liability insurance for 19 historic buildings is essential. And it may sound funny, but until we are able to add indoor restrooms to our Naugles Barn, we rely on funding such as this grant to help us provide this necessary accommodation during our cultural events throughout the year.”
Governor Kathy Hochul noted the critical importance of the arts and culture statewide. “Research confirms what we’ve always known here in New York: arts and culture are a powerhouse, with a staggering return on investment for our economy and our communities.”
Nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences generated $151.7 billion in economic activity nationwide in 2022, she said.
“New York’s unparalleled arts and culture sector is leading the way to benefit our residents, our students and our visitors every day,” she said. “I commend these grantees on their achievements and look forward to their contributions in the coming year.”
NYSCA Chair Katherine Nicholls added: “Thanks to the unwavering support of Governor Hochul and our Legislature, NYSCA is so proud to support the work of organizations and artists from across New York. Spanning the entire breadth of the arts and culture sector – from world renowned performers to after-school programs, from long-established museums to community arts and collectives — these organizations and artists together are a powerful driver of health, tourism, economy and education for our residents and visitors. On behalf of Council and staff, congratulations to Hallockville and thank you for your perseverance, your creativity and your tireless service to New York State.”
Hallockville Museum Farm is a 501c3 nonprofit organization comprised of a 28-acre preserved farm homestead in Riverhead. Hallockville features 19 historic buildings, including one listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
“Hallockville Museum Farm is dedicated to taking Long Island back to its family farming roots and exploring their relevance today,” representatives said.