$25.8 Million Project in Chatham Reflects $5 Million State Investment in Arts, Culture and Tourism

Project Renderings Available Here

New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the groundbreaking for the nearly $26 million renovation and expansion of Shaker Museum in Chatham, Columbia County. The 30,000 square foot project will create a year-round destination for visitors and a space that reflects the Shaker values of purposeful design and communal living with a 7,500 square foot space for permanent and rotating exhibitions. The project is supported by a combined $5 million investment from the New York State Council on the Arts and Empire State Development.

NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin said, "This project embodies and perpetuates the core ideals of Shaker culture—it is accessible, welcoming, and sustainable. As a supporter of the Shaker Museum for over 50 years, the New York State Council on the Arts is proud to fund this expansive, elegant project that will bring the measurable benefits of arts and culture to the visitors and residents of New York."

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Tourism is a pillar of New York State's economy and, under Governor Hochul, we continue to make strategic investments in projects that will welcome visitors to explore and experience our communities. The expanded Shaker Museum will help to share the history of this movement and its lasting impact on the region."

The renovated and expanded Shaker Museum will include galleries, a public reading room, community space, and a conservation and storage facility. The museum’s existing three-story, 19th-century brick structure will be carefully restored and repurposed, in keeping with the Shakers’ ethos, and serve as the primary location for the museum’s collection, education and exhibition programs, and community gatherings. A contemporary addition, in contrast but in balance to the original brick structure, will house the new museum’s entrance, ticketing, a small café and gift shop, offices, and a conference room. A sustainable greenspace surrounding the museum will include medicinal and native plants and a small amphitheater.

Shaker Museum Interim Executive Director Lisa Malone Jackson said, "This year, Shaker Museum celebrates its 75th anniversary, a date that coincides with another milestone: the groundbreaking of the museum’s new, permanent home designed by Selldorf Architects. This building in Chatham represents the culmination of many years of effort from Shaker Museum’s board and staff and is only possible thanks to the incredible support of Governor Hochul, NYSCA, and Empire State Development. New York State’s support serves as a compelling endorsement of Shaker Museum's vision and mission, and the confidence of state leadership is matched by the countless individual donors who have stood with Shaker Museum as this long-awaited project becomes a reality."

The Shakers emerged in the 18th century as a utopian religious movement who believed society could be perfected and a paradise on earth created through communal living, gender and racial equality, pacifism, confession of sin, celibacy, and separation from the world. Their creation of beautiful objects has fascinated generations of admirers and influenced modern design and architecture.

Capital Region Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Ruth Mahoney and Dr. Havidán Rodríguez said, "This project, supported by the state's investments, reflects a pillar of our region's strategic plan for economic growth. Shaker Museum's expansion complements our placemaking efforts, while amplifying the importance of the Capital Region's vibrant tourism, arts and culture sectors. On behalf of the Council, we offer our congratulations on this exciting milestone."

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, "The Shakers were pioneers in many ways—champions of equality, master craftspeople, and inventors whose history in the Hudson Valley continues to shape culture and conversations on sustainability, equity, and community. We’re proud to support the expansion of the Shaker Museum in Chatham with state funding, knowing it will be a valuable tourism asset that strengthens the local economy and welcomes more visitors to the area. Thank you to NYSCA and ESD for helping to champion this exciting project."

Assembly Member Didi Barrett said, "As a former museum professional who studied as a graduate student at the old Shaker Museum, I am thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking for a new state-of-the-art, energy-efficient museum in Chatham, NY. The Shaker Museum has long been a hub for culture and education, showcasing the unique history and iconic material culture of the Shaker community. As the museum embarks on this exciting next chapter, I thank Governor Kathy Hochul, NYSCA and ESD for their generous support of this project."

Chatham Mayor John Howe said, "I am honored as Mayor of the Village of Chatham to welcome and thank the Shaker Museum for choosing our village to be the new home of their museum. What was only a vision five years ago is coming to fruition, bringing a world class cultural institution to anchor our downtown. It has been a long and thoughtful process, and it has truly taken a Village to accomplish this."

NYSCA’s Capital Projects for Arts and Culture are strategic investments that empower organizations to better serve and engage their communities. They enable arts and cultural venues to become more physically accessible and sustainable, enhancing organizations’ abilities to connect with their audiences and become essential destinations for residents and visitors alike. NYSCA received an $80 million appropriation in capital project funds for FY 2025; awards will be announced later this spring.

Tourism is a pillar of New York State's economy. In 2023, the state welcomed a record-high 306.3 million visitors, generating $137 billion in economic impact. Direct visitor spending rose to $88 billion, and the state and local tax revenues generated by tourism saved the average New York State household $1,420 in taxes. Under Governor Kathy Hochul, New York has continued to support statewide tourism through I LOVE NY marketing efforts, and direct funding to tourism organizations and venues for tourism-related marketing efforts and capital projects through the Market New York program, which is supporting the new Shaker Museum.

About the New York State Council on the Arts

The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award $162 million in FY2025, serving organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state’s world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

Contact:
Ann Marie Sekeres (NYSCA) | [email protected] | (212) 459-8859
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313