Press Release
August 22, 2006
For Release: Immediate
Press Contact:
Wendy Gibson
Catherine Jimenez
518.486.1868
State Office Of Parks, Recreation And Historic Preservation Acquires Susan B. Anthony House In Washington County
(Albany, N.Y., August 22, 2006...)New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Bernadette Castro announced today the acquisition of the Susan B. Anthony House on State Route 29 in the Village of Greenwich, Washington County. The house was the adolescent home of the well-known social reformer who later in life became famous as an advocate of women's rights in the United States and also made significant contributions to the Abolition and Temperance movements.
"By acquiring this historic property that was at risk, the State is ensuring that the Susan B. Anthony House will be preserved for the people of New York and the nation," said Commissioner Castro, State Historic Preservation Officer. "With Governor Pataki's support and in partnership with Freddie Mac, we were able to act quickly and bring the property into State ownership at no cost, creating an exciting opportunity to add this truly significant site to the State's collection of cultural landmarks. For historians, preservationists, and future generations of New Yorkers, we are delighted to be the new steward of the house and help safeguard the rich heritage it represents for one of the most pivotal figures in the women's movement and social reform."
The brick masonry house on the one-acre property was constructed for the Anthony family and completed in 1833. Susan B. Anthony and her family occupied the house from 1833 to 1839, prior to their settling in Rochester. Anthony resided at the site with her family when she was between the ages of thirteen and nineteen, a period in her life during which time her social attitudes and future path as a reformer were partially shaped by experience and circumstance. Following the Panic of 1837, the family lost its fortune and in 1839 the house was sold off.
"The former home of Susan B. Anthony is an important landmark that once preserved will be an attractive addition to Washington County's long list of historical sites," said Senator Betty Little. "I congratulate the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation on this acquisition and look forward to working with state and local officials and area residents on plans for the property."
Recently, the house went into foreclosure and its future became unclear. Assemblymen Roy McDonald and Steven Englebright contacted State Parks and brought the property and opportunity to the agency's attention. In order to preserve the site, the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation purchased the house from Freddie Mac for one dollar.
"This is indeed a very important and historically significant landmark in our community," said Assemblyman Roy J. McDonald. "The preservation of this specific residence will help us to remember and honor a woman whose work on behalf of women's rights has left an indelible mark on the face of American society and positively affects millions of Americans every day."
"It has been inspiring to work with Roy McDonald, Debbie Craig and the Assembly Women's Caucus to help celebrate this 100th anniversary year of Susan B. Anthony's death by preserving forever the beautiful home that her father, Daniel Anthony, built for his family in Washington County," said Assemblyman Steven Englebright. "This important historic site was where events strengthened Susan's values and shaped her character in ways that ultimately enabled her to clear the way for equality for all women in America. I am pleased that this site has been saved and can now be a kind of Rosette Stone for understanding this great American and celebrating her remarkable contributions to our state and nation."
The State Historic Preservation Review Board has recommended the house for listing on the State and National Register of Historic Places and the agency plans to complete that action shortly to improve recognition and protection of the site. State Parks plans on entering into an agreement with Washington County for the operation of the house as a local historic site.
"Washington County is very pleased to do their part in preserving the history of the County," said JoAnn C. Trinkle, Chairman of the Washington County Board of Supervisors. "Susan B. Anthony fought for women's rights and I personally owe her for my position as first woman Chairman of the Washington County Board of Supervisors."
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 176 state parks and 35 state historic sites. For more information on any of these recreation areas, please call (518) 474-0456 or visit the website at www.nysparks.com.
###