Amenia, NY, 08/28/25 — Wethersfield Foundation, Inc is one of this year’s Preserve New York grantees. Their grant of $18,600 will fund Building Condition Report for Wethersfield House. The Preservation League of NYS and their program partners at the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) are thrilled to help fund this important work. At its 2025 meeting, an independent panel selected 31 applicants in 20 counties to receive support totaling $347,500. Grants represent both of the League’s signature NYSCA regrants – Preserve New York (PNY) and Technical Assistance Grants (TAG).

“The Wethersfield Foundation is deeply honored to receive this grant from such a distinguished organization,” said Hillary Henderson, Chief Operating Officer of Wethersfield. “This support comes at a pivotal moment, enabling us to address critical needs of the estate while laying the groundwork for future stabilization and restoration funding. It is an important step in ensuring that Wethersfield’s historic character and beauty will be preserved for generations to come.”

The Wethersfield Foundation will receive funding for a Building Condition Report, to be completed by Stephen Tilly, Architect. The assessment will focus on the Wethersfield House, a Georgian Brick Revival built in 1939-40 for philanthropist Chauncey Devereaux Stillman and designed by Bancel LaFarge. Bequeathed to the Foundation upon Stillman’s passing, the house is a historic and cultural landmark containing original artwork, frescoes, textiles, and antique furniture. Today, it is open for tours, cultural events, and summer artist residencies.

“This year, the League has brought our two longstanding NYSCA partnership grants together into one cycle, allowing us to see a clear picture of the remarkable preservation work getting started across the state,” said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League of NYS. “The targeted studies funded by TAG and the expansive reports made possible by PNY will lay the groundwork for many vital projects over the years to come.” 

For details and photos of all the 2025 grantees, please visit our website: preservenys.org/blog/2025-regrants 

“NYSCA is proud to support these diverse and essential projects that will allow organizations to plan for their future and safeguard New York’s rich cultural history for generations to come,” said Erika Mallin, Executive Director of NYSCA. “Congratulations to all of this year’s grantees and we look forward to the work you do across our state.” 

Preserve New York is a regrant partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Preservation League, made possible with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation has generously provided additional funds to support nonprofit projects in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. 

Since 1993, Preserve New York Grants have been providing funds to municipalities and nonprofit organizations that need technical, professional assistance to guide a variety of preservation projects. The building condition reports, cultural landscape reports, and cultural resource surveys funded through this program lead to positive outcomes across New York’s 62 counties. These grants support important arts and cultural initiatives, as well as economic development related to our state’s arts and cultural heritage. With the announcement of the 2025 awards, support provided by Preserve New York since its launch in 1993 totals more than $4 million to 569 projects statewide. 

About Wethersfield Foundation, Inc

The Mission of the Wethersfield Foundation is to preserve and maintain the house, gardens, art, carriage museum and grounds of the Wethersfield Estate. In keeping with the vision of the founder, Chauncey Stillman, the foundation seeks to promote responsible land stewardship, habitat protection, sustainable farming, and innovative horticulture and to share the beauty of the property and classical arts with the local community. wethersfield.org 

About the Preservation League of New York State
Since its founding in 1974, the Preservation League of NYS has built a reputation for action and effectiveness. Our goal has been to preserve our historic buildings, districts, and landscapes and to build a better New York, one community at a time. The League empowers all New Yorkers to use historic preservation to enrich their communities, protect their heritage, and build a sustainable future. We lead advocacy, economic development, and education programs across the state. Connect with us at preservenys.org, facebook.com/preservenys, youtube.com/c/PreservationLeague and instagram.com/preservenys

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 awarded $162 million in FY2025, serving organizations and artists across all 10 of the state’s 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 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 arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

Contact: 

Hillary Henderson, Chief Operating Officer, Wethersfield Foundation, Inc.
Hillaryhenderson@wethersfield.org 

Katy Peace, Director of Communications, Preservation League of NYS
kpeace@preservenys.org