What was once a windy porch at the rear of the Iroquois Museum in Howes Cave is now a brightly-lit enclosed--and heated--Education Room thanks to the generosity of benefactor Nicholas Juried.
It’s not Mr. Juried’s first gift to the museum, which opened in Howes Cave in 1992.
In 2021, with a $225,000 grant from the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation, the museum was able to pay off its two mortgages, Christina Hanks, president of the Board of Directors said in ribbon-cutting ceremonies Saturday.
Then, after he asked what they needed next, Mr. Juried offered to fund the Education Room, Ms. Hanks said.
The project took about six months to complete, said Museum Director Stephanie Shultes, with work beginning last fall after they wrapped up their 40th Iroquois Arts Festival Labor Day weekend.
Work enclosing the museum’s front porch will begin after this fall’s festival.
“So we’ll be inviting you back here next April,” Ms. Hanks said.
On hand for the event was Assemblyman Chris Tague, who spoke of Schoharie County’s deep gratitude to Mr. Juried and of his “unwavering commitment to enriching local communities across the state.”