Happy Thanksgiving from HAF!

As I look back over the past 11 months, we have so much to be thankful for.  We have an incredibly dedicated staff, hands on board, members, donors, supporters and volunteers.  There is no way we could accomplish all that we do throughout the year without all of you.

This year has seen nearly $2 million in grant funds received for our ongoing renovation efforts at the 1728 Van Ostrande-Radliff House (48 Hudson Avenue), a very successful Feast and Built (volunteers helped to cover 128 two hour shifts over the weeklong event!). We hosted many sold out educational walking tours thanks to our volunteer tour guides, and the Tool Lending Library continues to grow thanks to the many hours volunteers put in to lend and receive tools, as well as maintain them.  Our Parts Warehouse has had enjoyed brisk sales and is forever being cleaned an organized by staff and a corps of handy men and women.

So, what do we have in store for the coming year? Everything previously mentioned and more as HAF turns 50 years old.  We plan to celebrate this milestone on many different ways including a golden anniversary gala, a documentary that tells our history, a reimagined Built, all while working on our advocacy efforts continue our mission to preserve and to protect Albany’s wonderfully historic architecture and neighborhoods.

So again, our sincere gratitude for the community’s support for this past year, the past 49 years, and as we look forward to 50 and beyond.

Sincerely,
Pam Howard
Executive Director

Giving Tuesday is back … but why wait for Tuesday?
This year HAF is specifically raising funds for our Tool Lending Library as we venture into year two of operations.  The Tool Library, through the generous support of individuals, companies and foundations is off to a great start.  Now, we are looking to expand our services to more of the City of Albany and its neighborhoods by being able to loan tools to residents via a Tool Truck.  And while the truck will be paid for through the City of Albany’s ARPA finding, we need to purchase additional tools and will require more operating costs to operate, though less expensive than bricks and mortar “library” branches. 
Since the inception of the Tool Library in August of 2022, we have well over 200 members with 664 borrowing transactions of 662 tools that have been donated and / or purchased by the Tool Library, in addition to hosting over 20 sold out Workshops attracting nearly 400 attendees. And why are these statistics important?  Deferred maintenance on a home can lead to many issues including unsafe living conditions, property deterioration, vacancy, and even demolition from neglect.  By offering a low cost and easy solution, homeowners can learn how to maintain and improve their properties, creating safety and pride.

Please consider helping HAF expand the reach and audience of the tool Lending Library for 2024.  Every dollar donated has a real impact on our community.

CLICK HERE to safely give online, or mail your check to Historic Albany Foundation, 89 Lexington Avenue, Albany, New York 12206.

Thank you!

Join Us for First Friday on December 1st!

JOIN US FOR A FESTIVE EVENING AT THE DAVID HINCHEN GALLERY ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1ST FROM 5:00 - 9:00 PM. Located in a historic State Street mansion, the gallery features architectural paintings and photographs by DAVID HINCHEN and mixed media collages by GAIL HINCHEN. 

HISTORIC ALBANY FOUNDATION will be offering a wonderful array of note cards, T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and calendars. As a special treat, attendees will get a rare peek into the studio of MAXIME TACCARDI. Paintings, prints and gift items will be available for purchase.

30% of all David's art sales will benefit the HISTORIC ALBANY FOUNDATION.  Become a new member of HAF and receive a free limited edition Albany Skyline print!  

THE DAVID HINCHEN GALLERY is located at 261 STATE STREET between Dove and Swan Streets (just down the street from Dove and Deer) and directly across from Westminster Presbyterian Church. There should be plenty of parking on State Street, just below Swan by the New York State Capitol/Empire State Plaza.
?Appetizers and beverages will be served. Give the gift of art this holiday season!

Click here for More Information About Historic Albany Foundation News - November 24, 2023