Buffalo Room Awarded Prestigious Restoration Grant
Oyster Bay 8/31/04: Planting Fields Foundation has been awarded a
2004 Conservation Project Support Grant from the Institute of Museum
and Library Services, a Federal agency dedicated to strengthening public
museums and libraries. The grant is for design, construction and installation
of insulated storm windows to protect Robert Chanler’s murals
of the American West in the Buffalo Room from the damages of light
infiltration and temperature fluctuations. This request was one of
66 projects selected from 186 applicants throughout the United States.
These grants are awarded by a competitive peer review process, helping
museums to undertake their most critical conservation activities. We
are also delighted to have the museum community express its support
for the work of New York artist, Robert Chanler, whose work was championed
by Mai Rogers Coe. Chanler designed the murals as a daily reminder
to the Coes of their summer retreat, purchased from “Buffalo
Bill” on Carter Mountain in Cody, Wyoming.
Upon being awarded the matching grant for $47,000, IMLS Director Robert
Martin commented, “the grants we (IMLS) make today will ensure
the cultural, historical, natural and scientific collections in America’s
museums are available for a lifetime of learning for generations to
come.” If you would like to help us match this grant, donations
in any amount can be made by writing a check to Planting Fields Foundation
or by visiting our secure website to make an on-line donation. Your
support is greatly appreciated!