| OLVER ANNOUNCES HOUSE APPROVES $150,000 FOR WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT HOMESTEAD IN CUMMINGTON |
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| Sunday, 24 June 2007 19:00 | |
WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressmen John W. Olver (D-1st District) announced that U.S. House of Representatives has approved a funding bill that includes $150,000 for conservation and restoration of the William Cullen Bryant Homestead in Cummington. The funding was included in the fiscal year 2008 Interior, Environment Appropriations bill, which was approved by the House on June 27. Olver is a member of the Interior, Environment Appropriations Subcommittee and worked to secure the funding. "The William Cullen Bryant Homestead is a National Historic Landmark with more than 7,000 visitors each year," Olver said. "It was the famous 19th century American poet's home for many years of his life and the place where he created much of his poetry. This preservation work will allow future generations to experience the rich history, architecture, and cultural landscape of the Homestead." The William Cullen Bryant Homestead consists of 195 acres, a vernacular farmhouse and a 19th century barn. The project calls for conservation and restoration of Bryant's study, bedroom, dining room and caretaker's sitting room; window and shutter stabilization; and exterior painting in documented period colors. Additionally, the project includes sill repair to the cica1840 barn and restoration of the dairy. The circa 1840 barn is a rare intact survival of a rural New England barn. A barn existed on the site in the late 18th century and the current barn was constructed using many of the 18th century materials. The dairy, although in need of restoration, is intact. William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878) remains a moving force in American history. As editor and publisher of the New York Evening Post for over 50 years, Bryant advocated for far-reaching issues. Raised as an abolitionist, he strongly supported Abraham Lincoln, introducing the candidate to New York City's decision makers at the Cooper Union in 1860. Bryant proposed and supported the establishment of New York City's Central Park and was instrumental in the land conservation movement in this country. He also helped to establish New York Medical College. His poetry inspired the Hudson River School of Artists and remained popular well into the 20th century." |
