|
THE FINGER LAKES CULTURAL AND NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM PROJECT Press Release: Finger Lakes Museum Proposal – 06/09/08
PENN YAN – A proposal to build a new museum to showcase the 9,000-square mile Finger Lakes Region received a major boost last week when the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance—an influential 14-county organization devoted to the promotion of tourism in the region—announced its support for the development of the Finger Lakes Cultural and Natural History Museum project. President Cynthia Kimble, stated, “The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance has an interest in seeing the proposed museum project completed as this would be an additional visitor attraction which translates into a potential tourism economic driver for the Finger Lakes Region.” The idea was floated by Dansville resident, John Adamski, in an article he wrote in the spring 2008 issue of Life in the Finger Lakes magazine. Since then, he says the response has been overwhelming and virtually 100-percent in favor. “We’ve heard from people throughout the Finger Lakes Region—including museum professionals—who not only endorse the idea but want to be a part of making it happen. Several have offered to help with funding. The support of the Tourism Alliance reinforces the notion that we are on the right track. They will be valuable partners indeed,” Adamski said. Adamski’s plan would combine the concepts of two museums located in the Adirondacks—the Wild Center, a natural history museum in Tupper Lake which features live exhibits dealing with Adirondack ecology, environment, fish and wildlife, and the Adirondack Museum, a cultural history museum in Blue Mountain Lake that celebrates the region’s history, craftsmanship and lore. Based on the theme “History in the Making”, Adamski and Finger Lakes Community College professor emeritus Bill Banaszewski are organizing an exploratory committee to study feasibility, fundraising potential, and to search for candidates for a board of trustees which could then appoint a site selection committee. “We will need a wild and wooded site to accommodate the natural history aspect of the project. An ideal location would be comprised of 30 to 40 acres of woodlands and include a pond site, marshes and wetlands,” Adamski said. “Utilities, sewers and a large water supply are also important factors. Lakefront or a lake-view property would simply add to the luster. We are planning a world-class learning institution that will become a premier attraction in the Finger Lakes Region, for visitors and residents alike,” he added. David Palmquist, head of museum chartering at the New York State Education Department in Albany, has reviewed Adamski’s proposal and said that “the idea seems very plausible.” He is prepared to issue a provisional charter once an organization has been formed and an application is submitted. People can log onto www.fingerlakesmuseum.org to track the project’s progress. ###
|
|
 |