WANAKENA -- A pair of Community Foundation grants will help fund the Wanakena Historical Association’s new History Center, which officials plan to open later this year at 21 Second St.

The Foundation’s board of directors recently approved $16,000 in funding for the Historical Association. A $6,000 grant will fund equipment and supplies at the center and a $10,000 matching commitment will help build an endowment at the Community Foundation for the center.

Several years in planning, the project gained momentum after a group of partners stepped forward to purchase and restore the Second Street house to its original design. Construction began last year with renovations continuing through early summer.

The center will feature a collection of exhibits, modern presentations and meaningful artifact displays tied to the region’s past while also promoting historical and genealogical research and local tourism.

“We are excited to deepen the long-term relationship of our two organizations as we continue to work with donors to build upon our investments in the people and places of Wanakena,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “The community’s history and heritage will have a stronger level of enduring stewardship because of these initiatives.”

Allen Ditch, president of the Wanakena Historical Association board of trustees, said the Foundation’s endowment match is a “crucial part of the association’s long-term plans,” especially in stewarding the maintenance of the center and operations.

“Without the Foundation’s grant, we could very well be unable to implement high-quality, electronic access to our collection and availability in displays,” Ditch said. “We hope to make this an exciting place to visit.”

Community volunteers came together 20 years ago to create the historical association and highlight the unique past of Wanakena and surrounding Adirondack communities. The organization developed a walking tour with interpretive kiosks and spearheaded restoration of the iconic Wanakena Footbridge after it was damaged in 2014, a project the Community Foundation supported.

The history center has garnered philanthropic support. The organization also took steps toward developing a strategic plan designed for the history center’s sustainability and the agency as well. Embedded in that plan is an emphasis on building an endowment, which the association presently has at the Community Foundation, thanks to an anonymous donor.

Despite ongoing public health concerns, Ditch said he hopes the center can open for a preview this month and remain on track for a grand opening celebration in 2021.

“There are many people who believe in this area and want it to flourish. Our organization is one of the groups who can help bring tourists to the area,” Ditch said. “It’s a community that people recognize as a place to enjoy and visit. This is a special place.”

To support the Wanakena Historical Association History Center and its mission, make gifts to the Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St., Watertown 13601. 

Secure online gifts may be made at nnycf.org. Gifts to the center’s endowment fund will be matched up to $10,000.

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