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SUFFOLK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY RECEIVES $400,000 GRANT FROM ROBERT D.L. GARDINER FOUNDATION FOR ADA-COMPLIANT WING

Riverhead, NY - 09/18/2015 - A Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation grant of $400,000 has been awarded to the Suffolk County Historical Society for its planned ADA-compliant wing. This generous gift will assist SCHS in building an addition that will house an elevator and two handicap-accessible restrooms. Also included in this project is a handicap parking area proposed for the southeast corner of the Society's West Main Street property. SCHS has committed $140,000 to this project and is mounting a capital campaign to raise an additional $275,000 needed to complete the ADA-compliant wing. The addition will be named for Robert David Lion Gardiner.

"I am thrilled that the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation has seen the value of this project and has chosen to support it. This gift will help SCHS become a cultural and educational resource for all those having an interest in American and local history. This new addition will also assist SCHS in reaching a broader, more inclusive audience, making the building accessible not only to handicapped visitors but also to families and the elderly," said former SCHS Director Kathy Curran. It was under Curran's term as Executive Director of SCHS that this grant was obtained.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation for their most generous grant," said SCHS Board President Bob Barauskas. "It was only three short years ago that the ADA-compliant wing was a draft design. This funding will help take us from concept to reality, making our facility available to everyone to view the treasures contained within. Anyone wishing to become a member or donor can contact Ms. Kerry McKillop at 631-727-2881 x106 or visit our website at www.suffolkcountyhistoricalsociety.org," Mr. Barauskas added.

ABOUT THE SUFFOLK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Founded in 1886, the Suffolk County Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the ongoing history of Suffolk County and its people. To fulfill these purposes, the Society offers a history museum, art galleries, a research library and archives, and a multitude of exhibits, programs, and educational lectures and workshops year-round. Our unique collections reflect more than three centuries of Long Island history. From the Civil War to civil rights, revolutions to restorations, spies to Suffragettes, boatbuilders to bootleggers, and whalers to wineries, Long Island's history comes alive at the Suffolk County Historical Society!

ABOUT THE ROBERT DAVID LION GARDINER FOUNDATION, INC.
The Robert D. L. Gardiner Foundation was founded in Hamptons Bays, NY, in 1987, with the mission to educate and inform the general public in Suffolk County concerning the culture, art, and tradition of the locality; to cultivate, foster, and promote interest in, and understanding and appreciation of the societal heritage of Suffolk County; to encourage and sponsor the creation and perpetuation by historical societies of collections and repositories of documents and artifacts that represent local heritage and traditions; and to sponsor and encourage preservation, restoration, and exhibition by historical societies of historical buildings, homes, and facilities. The Foundation was named for Robert David Lion Gardiner, who had a personal passion for New York History and was the 16th Lord of the Manor of Gardiner's Island, NY, owned by the Gardiner family and their descendants since 1639. More information: www.rdlgfoundation.org.

LOCATION:
300 West Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901

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HOURS OF OPERATION:
Museum:
Wednesday - Saturday - 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Library:
Open by Appointment Only.
Call to reserve your research visit:
631-727-2881 x103
CONTACT:
Phone: (631) 727-2881
Fax: (631) 727-3467

General Inquiries:
director@schs-museum.org

Library/Research Inquiries:
librarian@schs-museum.org