" A colleague of mine likes to say that preservation works best as a communal act - something that we do together, and something that brings us together. "
- Paul Edmondson, president and CEO of the National Trust -
- Paul Edmondson, president and CEO of the National Trust -
The preservation and development of the Forsyth-Warren Tavern was initially funded primarily by the Booth and Newman families, with no government aid or tax credits. However, more of a quarter of that money was taken by the lawsuits levied at the project by the Town of Cambria. Without the aid from the surrounding communities, the project has no chance as being revitalized.
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WANTED
We are looking for character reenactors who would donate their time to becoming a historical figure at the Tavern and portray some of our most memorable events for school and public education tours.
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Farm LaborersThe Living History Farm is always in need of farm hands of all ages and skills! Apply below! Current Projects: Painting, Constructing livestock pens and shelters, Gardening, General Work |
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Our Vision for the Site:
Projects
1808 Barn Restoration |
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This 1808 pioneer built barn is a beautiful example of early American architecture and culture and as well as one of the last examples of a building from the first phase of Euro-American settlement of the Niagara Frontier.
This important heritage structure suffers from a disintegrating foundation and is in desperate need of a complete restoration in order to preserve it for the enjoyment of our future generations.
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Estimated cost for this project : $240,000
Saving the Corn Crib |
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The corn crib is a modest, front-gable one-story building, elevated above the ground on piers that lists out of square. The building measures approximately 16 feet by 8 feet in size, and the entrance is located on the north elevation. The sheathing is a series of narrow vertical wood planks, with gaps between them for ventilation.
This beautiful and iconic structure is in need of a new roof and new foundation legs.
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Estimated cost for this project : $5,000
Repopulating the farm |
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Mary drove a covered wagon pulled by oxen. Tied to one side was a plow and on the other a coop with six chickens. The family cow was tied to the back of the cart. Following them was John on horseback leading three or four sheep and the same number of hogs. The trip took them five or six days.
To repopulate the farm with these heritage breeds, enclosures and shelters will need to be reconstructed for each breed to be housed in.
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Estimated cost for this project : $184,000
Restoring Mary's Kitchen |
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This kitchen was the first of its kind in the area and so was most likely used by every family in Warren's Corners while also serving weary travelers at the tavern. It is here also that Mary cooked for the garrison at Hardscrabble as they prepared to retake the Niagara Frontier in the war of 1812.
In order to accomplish this, we will need to reconstruct the entire chimney as it passed from the basement to the roof of the Tavern.
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Estimated cost for this project : $80,000
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RECONSTRUCTING THE KITCHEN WING |
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The small wing shown in the left of this image was a kitchen wing. Rebuilding this lost addition to the Tavern would allow the museum to install a new ADA compliant bathroom as well as to operate a modern commercial kitchen. This reconstruction would allow the Tavern to reopen as a working Tavern again, serving food and drink along the historic Ridge Road.
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CURRENTLY SEEKING ESTIMATES
Pioneer Settlement |
Photo Credited to the Frontier Culture Museum
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When John and Mary first arrived at what would become Warren's Corners, they opened their tavern in a temporary log cabin. Reconstructing a first generation building such as this will provide valuable insight into the lives of our earliest settlers on the frontier.
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Estimated cost for this project : $40,000
PIONEER ENCAMPMENT |
Photo Credited to Stony Point Battlefield
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Nestled in 7 acres of original frontier forest, this encampment would demonstrate the life of the area's earliest European settlers as well as the daily living of pioneers when a tavern was not an available option.
We are currently seeking the aid of neighbors in helping the museum and its guests gain access to this untouched forest. Once the site is reachable, we can begin clearing a path and establish this camp. Hopefully, guests will be able to partake in a fully immersive camping experience, complete with a hike or carriage ride to the site, meals cooked over the fire with the help of our skilled reenactors, and a night of authentic pioneer camping. |
CURRENTLY ASSESSING OPTIONS
Archeological Study |
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The Forsyth-Warren property is relatively unstudied to date. Our first priorities are to excavate the area around the post office where a brick pathway has made itself known as well as studying the gully where scraps from daily tavern life were disposed of.
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Estimated cost for this project : $100,000 +/-
Rebuilding the General Store |
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Probably our most ambitious project; rebuilding this important local feature would be a great asset and opportunity to expand what we can offer at the museum.
For this project, we will need to require the portion of the original homestead on which this building once stood.
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Estimated cost for this project : approx. $940,000
Rebuilding Warren's School |
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The one room school house is an icon of education in America. We intend to reconstruct one of Ezra's school houses to exacting standards as part of our educational program.
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Estimated cost for this project : $67,500
Native American Camp |
Photo Credited to the Frontier Culture Museum
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Remnants of a Native American camp were discovered on the Forsyth - Warren Farm. The Native Americans in the area were annihilated by the Iroquoian Confederacy sometime in the mid 17th century. We are looking for partnerships people who can guide us in properly reconstructing this site as it would have appeared when the Neutral Nation or Iroquoian-speaking indigenous people lived here.
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CURRENTLY SEEKING ESTIMATES
