ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Water damage to Albany's Ten Broeck Mansion's roof led to structural damage to its plaster, walls, woodwork, and artifacts.
“It was completed in 1798 unfortunately our roof is leaking. At certain points, we've had up to 18 gallons of water. There’s been more and more severe thunderstorms” said Kathryn Kosto, Executive Director of the Albany County Historical Association.
Luckily, relief is now available in the form of a $12,500 grant via nonprofit The Preservation League of New York State.
Preserving history is special to Kosto. “So, we're really not just taking care of the physical space. The furnishings. The chairs. The beautiful silver. But, we're also taking care of the memories. The history. The important values that this country was built on, so people can reflect on that and think about the future" Kosto told NEWS10.
Historic reflection is what county leaders gathered at the mansion to do, two years ahead of America’s 250th birthday.
“That's why our history, it's rich, but we need to talk about our history and have them uncomfortable conversations," said Albany County Executive Dan McCoy. "That's the only way we're not going to make the same mistake going into the future" the Democrat added.
The Roof work is to begin this fall and is expected to take a year. There's still more work to be done, however. Over the next three years emergency preservation needs to be completed. The full price tag sums up to $1.5 million dollars.
