The Finger Lakes Museum (FLM) was one of ten applicants awarded a Trees for Tribs Grant through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The FLM’s project includes the planting of over 3,000 native trees and shrubs to improve wildlife habitat, water quality and climate resiliency along Sugar Creek. These riparian trees and shrubs will be planted on the banks of the Museum property and nearby landowners and grant partners, the Izaak Walton League, and the Branchport Fire Department. [Read more…] about Finger Lakes Museum Planting Trees, Building Trails
Finger Lakes Museum
Winterfest in Penn Yan Feb 22-23
The Finger Lakes Museum & Aquarium and the Hampton Inn Penn Yan have announced Winterfest, a family-friendly, collaborative event held on Friday, February 22, and Saturday, February 23rd, from noon to 10 pm each day.
All activities will take place at the Hampton Inn in Penn Yan located at 110 Mace Street, and will celebrate winter in the Finger Lakes. [Read more…] about Winterfest in Penn Yan Feb 22-23
Timber Framing Workshops at Finger Lakes Museum
The Finger Lakes Museum & Aquarium (FLM&A) has announced they are offering beginner and advanced timber framing workshops this summer, taught by Rob Hughes of Big Beams Timber Frames in Cohocton.
Timber frame construction uses large, heavy wooden beams that are hand-formed and carefully fitted together using Mortise and Tenon joints and wooden pegs. This simple, and strong building technique has been used for thousands of years throughout the world, and is a large part of the building history in the Finger Lakes Region. Many timber frame buildings, constructed by hand over a hundred years ago, are still standing today. [Read more…] about Timber Framing Workshops at Finger Lakes Museum
An Update On The Finger Lakes Museum
In December, The Finger Lakes Museum was awarded two New York State agency grants through Round IV of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. The awards totaled $254,500.
In two separate letters to museum board President John Adamski, Empire State Development President and CEO Kenneth Adams wrote that the Finger Lakes Regional Council had recommended a $200,000 grant award for capital construction work at the museum’s campus in Branchport and an additional $54,500 through its Division of Tourism for marketing and promotion through the state’s I Love New York program. [Read more…] about An Update On The Finger Lakes Museum
Finger Lakes Museum Receives Gift of Land
The Finger Lakes Museum has more than doubled the size of its campus in Branchport.
Thanks to a generous gift of land donated by sisters Anne Salisbury and Molly Sujan and to a cash contribution from their neighbors Rolf Zerges and his wife Lynda Rummel, the museum now owns the 16-acre wetland adjacent to Crescent Beach at the north end of the west branch of Keuka Lake. The parcel comes with more than 1,400 feet of water frontage on Sugar Creek, which is a navigable inlet to the lake. [Read more…] about Finger Lakes Museum Receives Gift of Land
In Change of Course, Finger Lakes Museum Relocates
In an unexpected change in direction, the Finger Lakes Museum’s board of trustees voted to move the project from its proposed location in Keuka Lake State Park to the site of its Discovery Campus in Branchport.
The resolution was unanimously adopted at a special board meeting on August 12th. According to a statement issued to the press Thursday, the public announcement was delayed while museum administrators discussed the change in plans with government officials, state agencies already funding the project, and current and potential benefactors. [Read more…] about In Change of Course, Finger Lakes Museum Relocates
Finger Lakes Museum Hosting Planting Days
The Finger Lakes Museum is preparing for the opening of its Discovery Campus grounds in Branchport this July with three community planting days – May 10, 17, and 25 from 10am to 2pm.
Plant a single tree, a mini-grove, a section of a perennial garden, or shrubbery – any and all help during those days will be greatly appreciated. Community members, friends, and volunteers are all welcome. [Read more…] about Finger Lakes Museum Hosting Planting Days
Finger Lakes Museum Appoints Executive Director
The Finger Lakes Museum’s Board of Trustees made a new appointment at its March 18th board meeting. Philip Lentini, of Penfield, who had been serving as the Museum’s Vice President for Advancement since late 2013, was elected to a seat on the board and appointed to the position of Executive Director.
He will be in charge of managing the Museum’s day to day business operations and will continue to direct its fundraising programs. He previously served nine years as a Vice President of the Rochester Museum and Science Center. [Read more…] about Finger Lakes Museum Appoints Executive Director
Finger Lakes Museum Breaks Ground
Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy joined local officials recently to break ground on the Finger Lakes Museum, a new educational and cultural center that will be located on the Discovery Campus in Branchport, along Keuka Lake.
The project was identified by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council as a priority project in 2011 and was awarded $2.3 million to support the renovation of the former Branchport Elementary School into a historical center highlighting the Finger Lakes region.
“The Finger Lakes Museum is a transformational project that will create much-needed jobs and provide a significant boost for the tourism industry and local-area businesses,” said Lieutenant Governor Robert J. Duffy.
The Discovery Campus is the first of a two phase multimillion dollar indoor/outdoor natural and cultural complex highlighting the Finger Lakes region. The project is sponsored by The Finger Lakes Museum and will create and retain 100 direct jobs at the Museum, create 330 construction jobs, and generate an estimated $12 to $15 million annually in the region through increased tourism, which will spur local economic activity with area businesses and benefit the surrounding communities.
“The Finger Lakes Museum’s Business Plan sets forth a series of small steps leading to the creation of a premier educational institution with goals of stewardship, entertainment and regional economic health,” said Don Naetzker, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Museum. “Establishing the Museum’s Discovery Campus in the quintessential Finger Lakes hamlet of Branchport is a satisfying first step in ensuring the future of this pristine region for generations to come.”
Last year, a total of $785 million was awarded through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) for job creation and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plans. The Museum was awarded funding from three state agencies, including $1.5 million from Empire State Development (ESD), $400,000 from New York State Office of Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and $381,000 from the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC).
Kenneth Adams, President, CEO & Commissioner of Empire State Development said, “This is great news for the Finger Lakes region, as this project creates much-needed jobs and will boost the region’s tourism industry, which will generate significant economic activity and help foster growth for local businesses.”
ESD’s $1.5 million will help to offset the costs of acquiring and renovating the Branchport Elementary School site and the construction of the Discovery Campus. EFC’s Green Innovation Grant Program will create an innovative and interpretive storm water management system, including a porous pavement parking lot which will absorb rainwater and reduce the runoff of polluted water into Sugar Creek. A rain-absorbing “green roof” and eco-friendly bio-filters will further treat storm water runoff, stream banks along the creek will be restored and protected, and OPRHP’s resources will be used to increase public access to the waterways at the Discovery Campus including the creation of a waterfront program center and a hand-carry boat launch.
In May, final design plans and a virtual tour of the exterior and interior improvements of the Discovery Campus were unveiled and can be seen online at The Finger Lakes Museum’s website.
Finger Lakes Museum Hires Development Director
The Finger Lakes Museum has announced the appointment of Richard Lane as Development Director. Richard brings over 20 years of senior level experience in the non-profit sector to the Museum, which will open its Discovery Campus, in Branchport in 2013 and plans to open its exhibit-based museum facility and aquarium in 2014-2015 at Keuka State Park.
While serving four nationally-recognized organizations, Richard has worked on capital campaigns, including construction projects, ranging from $12 million to $18 million. He has extensive experience in community outreach and advocacy, working diligently with non-profit boards to accomplish those projects.
Executive Director Don Naetzker stated, “We are very pleased and excited to have Richard on our team. We are impressed with his capabilities and look forward to working with him.”
Upon accepting the offer, Lane said “Having vacationed on the Finger Lakes since 2001 at my in-laws, and having been married at Norton Chapel, Keuka College, I have grown to love this very special region with all it has to offer. I am especially attracted to the Museum’s focus on protecting and sustaining the natural beauty and resources of the Finger Lakes, while promoting a green economy. I am truly excited about working with Board and staff to realize the Finger Lakes Museum, which will greatly benefit the region.”
Contact Richard by email at rlane@fingerlakesmuseum.org or by phone at 315-418-0536 to set up a time to meet with him to discuss giving opportunities, questions about future donations, or to get to know one another over a cup of coffee.
In April, The Finger Lakes Museum launched its annual campaign titled “Preserving your Passions”. By the end of December, the Museum hopes to raise $450,000. Contributions are being accepted to help the Museum make their first annual giving campaign a success so they can continue supplying the Finger Lakes community and its visitors with educational programming focused on the preservation and stewardship of this beautiful Finger Lakes region. Donations can be made online or by mail to: The Finger Lakes Museum, PO Box 96, Keuka Park, NY, 14478.
The Finger Lakes Museum is proposed as the premier natural and cultural resource dedicated to the enjoyment, education and stewardship of the Finger Lakes Region – and to fresh water conservation. The Museum is chartered by the NYS Education Department and incorporated as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization.
For more information or to make contact, visit www.fingerlakesmuseum.org