Senator Roraback & Representative Carson Announce State Funding For Sloane Stanley Museum

Senator Andrew Roraback, R-30, and Representative Mary Ann Carson, R-108, today announced that the State Bond Commission has approved $375,000 in funding to finance the design and pre-construction archaeological investigations for renovations and historic restorations at four state-owned historic museums, including the Sloane Stanley Museum in Kent.

The Bond Commission approved the funding this morning during its monthly meeting at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Other museums that will benefit are the Old New-Gate Prison/Viets Tavern in East Granby, the Henry Whitfield State Museum in Guilford and the Prudence Crandall Museum in Canterbury.

According to Paul Loether, division director for historic preservation and museums for the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, there is no formal breakdown as to how the grant money will be divided for work at each museum. However, he estimated that approximately $25,000 to $28,000 of the funding to be acted upon by the Bond Commission Friday would be spent on work at the Sloane Stanley Museum.

According to Mr. Loether, future plans call for spending approximately $250,000 in additional funds to evaluate and reinforce the roof frame of the main building; secure the cabin against structural failure, as well as repair and stabilize it; perform drainage work on the main building and cabin; and install a new roof and replace deteriorated siding on the building. In addition, plans include updating the site security monitoring system, and ensuring compliance with ADA requirements. The renovations are expected to be completed in 2005.

Mr. Loether said that work has already been performed on the iron furnace. He added that the architectural firm selected for this project is Bargmann, Hendrie & Archetype, Inc., of Boston, Mass., which has done extensive work for the U.S. Park Service on historic sites owned by the federal government.

“The Sloane Stanley Museum is a historic treasure, for the people of Kent and for everyone else in Connecticut who values and appreciates our heritage. I am grateful to Governor Rell for supporting efforts to preserve and restore Connecticut’s museums,” said Senator Roraback.

“Today’s award certainly strikes a positive note for the Sloane Stanley Museum,” said Representative Carson. “During the past two years, many Kent residents have expressed concerns and voiced support for the museum. I’m hopeful this grant is not only a sign of things to come for Sloane Stanley but of the state’s continued commitment to its museums as well.”

“This is a great opportunity for Connecticut museums and the citizens of Connecticut to preserve the stories of our past,” said Jennifer Aniskovich , executive director of the Commission on Arts and Tourism. “A priority of the Commission on Arts and Tourism is to take care of historic assets under our stewardship. We are very pleased that the Governor, Legislature and Bond Commission have shown their support and commitment for Connecticut’s museums.”

The Sloane Stanley Museum features works of art by Eric Sloane, his collection of historic tools, and houses a reconstruction of his studio. A replica of the cabin from Sloan’s book, “Diary of an Early American Boy: Noah Blake 1805” built by Sloane stands near the museum. According to Paul Loether, division director for historic preservation and museums for the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, the architectural firm chosen for this project is Bargmann, Hendrie & Archetype, Inc., of Boston, Mass., which has done extensive work for the U.S. Park Service on historic sites owned by the federal government.