Historic Cherry Hill
Contents -- February 2007
- The Legacy Continues
- Inaugural Maxine Lorang Graduate Intern Named
- Annual Fund Co-chairs Lead The Charge Towards Success
- Fun With History
- Architectural Team Descends Upon Cherry Hill
- A Special Gift To Education Jumpstarts 2007 Annual Fund
The Legacy Continues
The Board of Trustees and staff of Historic Cherry Hill are pleased to announce the establishment of the Cherry Hill Bequest Society to recognize individuals who choose to provide for the museum in their wills. In the tradition of Emily Rankin, who bequeathed her family home and all of its contents "for the benefit of the people of the State of New York", the Cherry Hill Bequest Society will enable others who love this institution to give in perpetuity.
Priscilla Frisbee,
Cherry Hill Bequest Society Chair
Mrs. Priscilla Frisbee has graciously agreed to serve as the first chair of the society. Her husband Edward was a law partner in the firm Rankin, Frisbee & Hill, and the Frisbees became close friends of the Rankins. Edward was also Emily Rankin's attorney, served as the first President of the museum's Board of Trustees, and spent the last forty years of his life guiding the institution's development. In discussing her role, Priscilla noted, "We spent such a big part of our lives involved with Cherry Hill. We were dedicated to helping realize Emily's dream of establishing Cherry Hill as a museum. I view chairing the Cherry Hill Bequest Society as a way of completing the circle. I would love to see more people involved in this museum and supporting it long into the future—it is a treasure in our community."
Priscilla's adult children, Margaret Sommer, Peter Frisbee, Ann Stefka and Cornelia Frisbee Houde supported— indeed, encouraged— their mother's decision to bequeath a portion of her estate to Historic Cherry Hill and to lead the Cherry Hill Bequest Society.
Already, two long-time HCH supporters have stepped forward to join Mrs. Frisbee. Founding members of the Cherry Hill Bequest Society include Marjorie Brague and David Joslin.
Soon after her college announced it was going co-ed, Marjorie Brague determined that other organizations might now be in greater financial need, and so decided to change her will. Margie, a volunteer guide and receptionist since her 2000 retirement from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, knew HCH needed support and made the decision to "leave something of me to Cherry Hill when I go." As a guide, Margie loves sharing the house's stories with visitors. She has also been impressed with the quality and professionalism of the staff—no doubt a factor in her decision to join the Cherry Hill Bequest Society.
David Joslin of Ooltewah, Tennessee, is a Cherry Hill family member with fond memories of visiting the house with his mother as a child. His mother, Katherine Livingston Gould, was a descendant of Solomon Van Rensselaer, and she resided in the home as a teen. David has been a generous contributor to the museum for many years and he remains passionate in both his belief in the mission of the museum and its broad historical value. David's decision to bequeath back to Cherry Hill furniture, silver and other objects once belonging to his mother was natural. "I want these pieces to be included in Cherry Hill's permanent collection because that is where they ultimately belong."
In establishing the society, HCH's Board of Trustees determined that 100% of all monetary gifts will be designated for a newly established endowment fund. If you have already included Historic Cherry Hill in your estate plans, or are interested in exploring a bequest provision, please call Director Liselle LaFrance at 518-434-4791 or email her at liselle@historiccherryhill.org.
[contents]Inaugural Maxine Lorang Graduate Intern Named
Historic Cherry Hill is pleased to announce that Erin Leary has been named the inaugural Maxine Lorang Graduate Intern. Leary is a candidate for a Masters in History of Decorative Arts and Design at the Cooper- Hewitt National Design Museum/Parsons, The New School for Design in New York City. She received her Bachelors in Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell University. She has gained diverse museum experience through internships and other positions at such organizations as the Capital Children's Museum, Corning Museum of Glass and Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site. She will be conducting research during the coming semester, and her work will culminate in a public presentation. The internship is named in memory of Maxine Lorang, Historic Cherry Hill's Researcher for more than 20 years, whose meticulous work was integral to the development of numerous outstanding programs and publications.
[contents]Annual Fund Co-chairs Lead
The Charge Towards Success
Congratulations to the extended Historic Cherry Hill family for the tremendous success of the 2006 Annual Fund Campaign. The campaign— HCH's first formal effort of this type— raised a total of $30,318, far exceeding the $25,000 goal.
Michael Beiter and Denise Carnell, cochairs of the campaign said, "We are delighted with the results of the campaign and overwhelmed by the generosity and spirit of so many Cherry Hill friends and supporters." The campaign generated 123 gifts from Historic Cherry Hill volunteers, staff, board members, businesses, colleagues and friends. "This support is a clear demonstration of the community's commitment to Cherry Hill's financial security. As we gear up for a major capital campaign effort in the coming year, increasing support from the Annual Fund is critical" said Liselle LaFrance, Director.
Heartfelt thanks to all who contributed!
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$3,000-$5,000
$1,000-$2,999
$500-$999
$250-$499
$100-$249
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$50-$99
Up to $49
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Fun With History
During 2007, Historic Cherry Hill will explore a variety of historical topics through some fun filled events.
On Sunday, May 6, the museum will present the 8th Annual Albany History Fair. This year's theme, "Paw Print on History", will explore the role of animals and pets within Albany's history. The free event will again be presented at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center from Noon–4 p.m., and will include a variety of family activities, music, displays and more.
The popular "Cherry Hill Murder Investigation Tour" will be offered twice during the year—On May 19 and October 27. During the two-hour tour, participants will follow the footsteps of the killer on the night of the infamous 1827 murder at Cherry Hill, and get a behindthe- scenes glimpse of the Cherry Hill household. Reservations for this program are required, and discounts are offered to Historic Cherry Hill members. For more information, contact Education Director Becky Watrous at (518) 434-4791, or email her at becky@historiccherryhill.org.
Cherry Hill Garden Temple (above)
Cherry Hill Arbor (below)
On Sunday, June 3, the museum, with the Master Gardener Program of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County, will host, "Grounds for Celebration", highlighting the 30th anniversary of the county's gardening program as well as the ongoing restoration work of the Cherry Hill landscape being completed by a dedicated team of Master Gardeners. The event will feature music, lectures and counsel from master gardeners, and the unveiling of newly reconstructed features of Emily Rankin's gardens, including an arbor and garden temple. Admission to the event will be free, and it will run from 1 to 4 p.m.
And finally, plans are underway for a fall field trip to the National Heritage Museum in Lexington, Massachusetts, when it will be hosting the traveling exhibit, "Pets in America." The exhibit complements the publishing of Katherine Grier's scholarly work, Pets in America: A History, and features several Cherry Hill artifacts. Details on this and all the events will be forthcoming.
[contents]Architectural Team Descends Upon Cherry Hill
With partial support from the Cohoes Savings Foundation ($2,500) and the Architecture, Planning and Design Program at the New York State Council on the Arts ($1,886 in technical assistance funds), Historic Cherry Hill has begun a project critical to planning for needed repairs and restoration work within its 1787 historic structure.
Architect Stephen Tilly braves the cold
to get a look at Cherry Hill’s roof
Stephen Tilly, an Architect based in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and his team arrived on a bitter cold January morning to begin an Existing Conditions Survey. During their visit, Tilly inspected the roof, windows and other exterior elements, while Architect Robert Gabalski focused on building systems, Architectural Designer Stephanie Reinert surveyed finishes and Preservation Specialist Audra Becher conducted documentary photography.
The team is now researching archival materials provided by HCH Curator Erin Crissman and preparing for a second visit. The museum expects to receive a report outlining the team's findings by early May.
Stephen Tilly graduated from M.I.T. with a Master of Architecture. After doing research, planning and urban design work in Boston, Washington and New York, he became a partner in a firm based in New York's Soho district. While there, he completed an award-winning solar house in South Carolina, and the first movie theater in Soho. At his own firm, Tilly has worked on numerous projects ranging from historic properties and urban design to sustainable planning and design and fine grain architectural design. Tilly has also served on the Capital Program grants review panel for the New York State Council on the Arts. He and his team are currently working on two other significant historical sites—the Stephen and Harriet Myers residence, owned by the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, and Stepping Stones in Bedford Hills, home of Bill and Lois Wilson, founders of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon.
The museum is still seeking funding to support this important work. For more information, contact Director Liselle LaFrance by calling her at (518) 434-4791 or emailing liselle@historiccherryhill.org.
[contents]A Special Gift To Education
Jumpstarts 2007 Annual Fund
In January, Historic Cherry Hill received a very special gift from a longtime volunteer. Anna Welter presented a $5,000 check to the museum to support the teaching of education programs during 2007, in memory of her sister-in-law, Sally Kraft, a former teacher.
The museum’s on-site programs provide
memorable experiences for students
Anna has been a volunteer at HCH since her retirement in 1990, but has known Cherry Hill her entire life. Growing up on Second Avenue in Albany, Anna took the bus to work with Edward Elmendorf Rankin and remembers taking her eightyear- old son to visit the house in 1964 just after it opened its doors as a museum.
"Historic Cherry Hill is one of Albany's hidden treasures. However many days I have left, I want to help it grow."
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