1812 Homestead Fundraiser
WHAT IS THE 1812 HOMESTEAD?
The 1812 Homestead, located in Willsboro, New York, is a museum, educational foundation, and a living history farm which occupies 130 acres of land near Long Pond at the site of what was a 19th century inn and pioneer homestead. The Homestead offers hands-on experience for students, individuals, families, and community groups.
A full range of pioneer living skills are demonstrated by our knowledgeable instructors. Visitors can become involved in hands-on learning activities such as baking at the hearth, blacksmithing, candle dipping, shingle making, animal care, and gardening. We also have a one room school house from the 1800's with live demonstrations.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
On the evening of August 27th 2016, there was a large fire at the 1812 Homestead which caused extensive damage to the original Farmhouse and the 1800's barn. Three additional buildings also suffered damage, although less severe, and we hope they can be repaired easily and quickly. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined by investigators.
We are grateful that no one was injured and all the animals are safe and unharmed. HUGE thanks to all of the local fire department teams who responded. For decades, the 1812 Homestead Farm & Museum has been an integral part of living history programs for students and also campers from Pok-O-MacCready Camps. The 1812 Homestead has a special place in the hearts of the local community, and we appreciate your support as we assess our future programming.
OUR PLAN
Of course, we can never truly replace what has been lost, but it is our hope that we can replicate the physical structures of the site to mirror 19th-century living as closely as possible. This will be a long and careful process, and to do so, we are enlisting the help of several qualified consultants, engineers, professionals, and historic preservationists to help us achieve our goal.
Our first task is to replace the 1800's barn so that we can have an indoor teaching space for our programming and special events. This may involve obtaining an original 19th century barn and relocating it to our site, or building a new barn onsite to the specifications that would have been followed in the 1800's. Either way, it is a project of tremendous proportions, and we can't do it alone.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support that we have already received via email, phone, and social media. If everyone who had viewed our Facebook post about the fire was able to donate just $18.12, we would far surpass our fundraising goal!
Do you have $18.12 to spare? Maybe more? Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Please help in any way that you can, so that we may work together to restore this piece of history for future generations. The 1812 Homestead Educational Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, and your generous donation is tax-deductible. We have also received several offers from individuals who would like to offer their talents in rebuilding and repairing the structures. If you have carpentry skills, or simply a general desire to assist in some way, please get in touch with us so that we may add you to our list.
You can make a donation on this site, or, if you prefer, you may mail a donation to the address listed below. Checks can be made out to:
"1812 Homestead Rebuilding Fund"
THANK YOU for helping in any way you can!
LEARN MORE
For more information about the 1812 Homestead Educational Foundation, please contact:
1812 Homestead Farm & Museum
4403 NYS Route 22
Willsboro, NY 12996
USA
Click here to find us on Facebook
Click here to visit the 1812 Homestead Webpage
Click here to read the Press Republican news article.
