If appropriate funding can be generated by the Spring of 1998, the Preservation Association of Central New York, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to the preservation of historical resources in Central New York will agree to serve as guardian of the property and will set in motion the preservation plan outlined in the estimated. The Preservation Association (PACNY) would in turn make arrangements with other organizations such as the Onondaga Historical Association and/or local tourism agencies to coordinate long term management of the resource. It is imperative that all concerned with the preservation of this site realize the importance of timely action in order to insure the retention of the African American art in the Syracuse area. In consideration of the immediate need for funding by the Spring of 1998, the level of commitment of local and state agencies must be appropriate to ensure the long term protection of the resource, or, we should all step back and assist our Ohio neighbors who are willing to take on the challenge.
Acquisition of Building and Title: It will be necessary to gain title to the building and the art. An estimate of cost for the building is between $550,000 - $650,000 and must be negotiated with the current owner. In light of the significance of the art to the community and the good faith offered both by the property owner and the State of New York in intervening on behalf of the resource it is expected that the Cincinnati museum will relinquish its rights to the art in consideration compensation for direct expenses it has incurred as apart of its intervention on behalf of the art
Building, title, and compensation : $575,000 - $675,000
Building Maintenance - Partial endowment: The goal is to ensure the long term maintain of this property. In order to assist this and ensure a viable and stable operation by a local not-for-for profit organization, a partial endowment fund should be established at the outset. This fund can be supplemented through funds generated by the information center and future grants and bequests. A founding fund of $250,000 dedicated to bricks-mortar-conservation is both moderate and reasonable for long term protection of this significant resource. This will provide a base line of between $15,000 and $25,000 per annum for long term maintenance.
Building Maintenance - Partial endowment: $250,000
Conservation: It will be necessary to remove the art from the walls and to stabilize each face. The stabilization of these faces will require the efforts of a team of conservators. This work must begin in the Spring of 1997 or the faces will be lost. Put simply, if a commitment to fund this project is not made immediately, then in the interest of the art the people of New York should concede the issue and assist those from the Cincinnati Museum who are able to carry out the conservation project.
At the time in which they are removed at least four sets of replica casts should be made with one set placed in the locations in which the art previously resided. The second set should be used as the primary on site interpretive instrument (to enhance the original art which will require continuous conservation). A third set should be set aside in a curatorial facility such as the Onondaga Historical Society as a back up and research resource. Finally, a set of casts should be given to the museum in Cincinnati in appreciation of their intervention and good faith efforts to protect these significant resources for all Americans.
Exhibit and Interpretation: As an essential part of the Freedom Trail the Wesleyan Methodist Church should be utilized as a cultural interpretive center so that local residents and tourists can gain an understanding of the significance of the site and the art to all Americans. While the importance of the art and site to the African American experience are emphasized here, this site was also extremely significant in broader human rights issues including the Women's Rights Movement and 19th century concerns with problems confronted by labor and persons with disabilities. The following estimate is based upon expected costs for initial exhibit design, signage, and interpretation by a project coordinator (including two years salary for a paid museum interpreter).
Proposal Prepared by:
Preservation
Association of Central New York, Inc. a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization
dedicated to the preservation of the historical resources of Central New York.
Douglas V. Armstrong,
President