The Town of Clinton Historical Society has been awarded $139,000 by the New York State Council on the Arts for Architectural Planning for the Restoration/ Renovation of the Creek Meeting House

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

For more information contact:

Cynthia Koch, President of the Board

845 675 1234

info@clintonhistoricalsociety.org

The Town of Clinton Historical Society has been awarded $139,000 by the New York State Council on the Arts for Architectural Planning for the Restoration/ Renovation of the Creek Meeting House.  

The Town of Clinton Historical Society announced today a grant award totaling $139,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support preparation of Design and Construction Documents for the Restoration/Renovation of the Creek Meeting House. This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $82 million to 132 arts and culture facilities across New York State.  

Cynthia Koch, president of the Clinton Historical Society states, “We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul, the New York Legislature, and the Arts Council for this grant, which enables us to plan for the overall restoration and renovation of the Creek Meeting House. When restored the Creek Meeting House will be an important cultural and community resource as well as a destination for heritage tourists. Assemblywoman Didi Barrett and Senator Michelle Hinchey have been great supporters of the project.”  

The Creek Meeting House is a two-story fieldstone building built in 1777–80 by the Society of Friends (Quakers) in Clinton Corners, Dutchess County, New York. This National Register structure is owned by the Town of Clinton Historical Society, which uses for cultural programs, exhibits, and meetings and it is a popular gathering place for residents. The building was last renovated in the early 20th century. The overall goal of the Restoration/Renovation of the Creek Meeting House is to assure the long-term preservation of the building by mitigating fire risk and other hazards, protecting life safety, installing new HVAC, and correcting an erroneous interpretation of the building’s past by restoring the interior to inform the public about its important history relating to the turbulent years of the American Revolution. It is not only a site of historical importance, but its architecture is the physical embodiment of the Friends’ religious tenets of plainness, simplicity, and equality for all, which led to their historic leadership in the anti-slavery and women’s equality movements. 

“New York’s powerful arts and culture sector is a formidable asset,” Governor Hochul said. “Our continued investments in museums, theaters and art centers generate incredible returns — sparking innovation, boosting local economies, driving visitors and making us the global epicenter of arts and culture.” 

New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “We know that when the arts flourish, communities follow — bringing energy, creating jobs, expanding accessibility, and increasing tourism. This grant program is a critical investment in our creative sector, empowering our creative community and inspiring innovation. Congratulations to all the grantees, we look forward to seeing these diverse projects develop all throughout the state.” 

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About the New York State Council on the Arts 

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2027, serving hundreds of arts organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts. 

CA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts. 

About the Town of Clinton Historical Society 

The Town of Clinton Historical Society preserves, educates, and encourages an appreciation for the history of the Town of Clinton and its historic sites and structures with a focus on preserving and restoring the 1777 Creek Meeting House. Founded in 1975, it is chartered by the Board of Regents, New York State Department of Education, and is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/townofclintonhistoricalsociety/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/townofclintonhistoricalsociety/)