A new research library continues taking shape for the Schoharie County Historical Society at the Old Stone Fort complex in Schoharie.
“It has been a dream of the historical society for probably 20 years,” said Mary Johnson, director and business manager of the society. Ground was broken more than a year ago, and most of the exterior is in place now, next to the Badgley building, across from the Old Stone Fort.
“We do have fund raising to do for the interior,” Johnson said. It’s a 5,500-square-foot library, which will store archival collections, as the society is short of space for what it has on hand currently. The addition will offer a better place for those coming to do research, as well.
No completion date has been set, but a fundraising campaign is underway for the interior. Johnson said the new library will get siding, windows and doors this year.
“It should go a long way toward alleviating the pressures of the space we have,” Dan Beams, curator of the historical society said. “It will better serve the public.”
Johnson said many items are stored in the Badgley building, making space tight for programs at the society. Once completed, the tight quarters will get some relief. There will be a passage way between the Badgley building and the library, with deck space, which can offer additional space for outdoor programs in the future.
The estimate for the completion of the library is $2 million. The work will be done piecemeal, Johnson said, as the funds are raised. The society is aiming to get its certificate of occupation and continue the interior work.
Memberships and attendance at the society’s programs are expected to help the fundraising process. One of the large fundraising events of the year is Fall Festival, set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Old Stone Fort. It features a full day of music, food and family fun, organizers said.
Other upcoming events to help support the new library include a presentation from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday, June 19. Cathy Adams and Pat Hults will present “To Be Remembered in Equal Measure,” a presentation exploring the history of Black genealogy in Schoharie County.
Starting Sunday, June 28, the Old Stone Fort will offer “Pay What You Wish Week,” with an activity each day through Saturday, July 4.
For additional information, visit theoldstonefort.org.