Today, Assemblymember Monica P. Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced the completion of renovations to repaint and restore the main portico and front porch of the Lancaster Historical Society Museum, located at 40 Clark St. In 2019, Assemblymember Wallace secured $115,000 in state funding to restore the building, which had significant deterioration, peeling paint, and missing spindles in the front staircase, among other issues.

The funding secured by Assemblymember Wallace was used to replace the building’s deteriorating front porch, prepare and paint the building’s exterior, conduct window repair and restoration work, and other interior and exterior improvements that were identified in the town’s conditions report of the building.

“I’m proud to have secured funding to restore the Lancaster Historical Society Museum, which is a gem in the Central Business District. The building contains vital records of our past, while the structure is itself an important piece of the history of our community,” said Assemblymember Wallace. “The building looks beautiful, and I’m hopeful that the newly restored facade and interior will encourage more folks to visit and learn more about the rich history of the Village of Lancaster.

“We at the Lancaster, New York Historical Society deeply thank Assemblymember Monica Wallace for helping to secure funding to repair our portico,” said Lancaster Historical Society President Karen Sutton. “We appreciate everything that she has done to help us restore our building and keep the museum in operation.”

Located at 40 Clark Street adjacent to Lancaster Town Hall, much of the former Dr. Samuel Potter home remains original. Built in 1895 and originally located on Broadway, the house was relocated to Clark Street in 1940 by Dr. Potter’s daughter, who then left the building to the town for a public library, which it was until a new town library opened in 1973. The Lancaster Historical Society has called the building home since 1987 when it was dedicated as the Lancaster Historical Society Museum.

Incorporated in 1979, the Lancaster Historical Society serves to promote interest in and preservation of the history of the Town of Lancaster. As part of its mission, the organization collects, maintains, and display significant historical materials that represent Lancaster’s heritage, including what is believed to be the Lancaster Opera House’s original piano from the 1800s.

The Historical Society also offers programs, lectures, and demonstrations about the town’s history to the public. For upcoming events at the Historical Society, visit their Web site.