A letter from Kim Parker, Program Manager

As many of you know, I am leaving my position at Historic Albany Foundation after four and a half years for a new opportunity. I want to thank my wonderful colleagues for a fantastic experience, I have been given the space to grow and develop in ways I could never have imagined.

As those who know me will probably guess, my proudest achievement during my time here is the Tool Library. I want to thank Pam Howard, our Executive Director, for allowing me the space and support to experiment and launch a brand-new program without knowing how it would turn out. I am happy to report that after a year we have exceeded every goal and I can't wait to see how it continues to grow.

I am going to miss all of our volunteers, members, and supporters. So many of you have become friends and it is going to be so strange not to see everyone when you come by to borrow a tool or buy a doorknob! I won't be a stranger and will continue to volunteer with the organization (albeit after a small break!) and will be cheering from the sidelines. Most of all I will miss my colleagues, who are now more like family. Not lying when I say it is going to **** not seeing you all everyday!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to you all! If you want to say goodbye in person, I will be at the Tool Library 1st Birthday Party on August 26th and look forward to celebrating with lots of you there. 

Warmly,

Kim Parker

HAF Is Hiring!
Program, Events, and Outreach Manager Position

Want to be part of a dynamic and fun team?  Are you interested in history, architecture, and preservation?  We are looking for an outgoing individual to join us at an exciting time in HAF's history with next year being our 50th anniversary, as well as the completion and move to 48 Hudson Avenue - the oldest building in Albany.  If this piques your interest, please apply below!

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BUILT Honorary Committee is OPEN!

The BUILT Honorary Commitee is OPEN! All Honorary Committee members will be invited to attend the opening night of the event, and your name(s) will be noted in the event invitation and on signage, but most of all, you will be showing your support for art and architecture in the Capital Region!

Join Here

163 South Allen Street - 2023 Preservation Initiative Award for Restoration
We are excited to share with you the Preservation Initiative Award winning restoration at 163 South Allen Street.  

This two family house has been owned by and lived in by members of the same family since its original construction in the early 20th century. When owners Ronald Symansky and Roger Reid moved from San Francisco to be with Ron's mother, they began systematically updating and repairing the house, keeping it true to Ron's great grandfather's designs and perhaps accentuating it a bit.

They started with the important parts: the roof/ insulation and backyard drainage keeping water away from the house. Then moved onto HVAC, bathrooms and the kitchen. Each part of the project involved creativity, sustainability, a lot of architectural salvage, and antiques including a parlor stove made by Ransom and Rathbone right here in Albany in 1844 and a 1927 Wedgewood stove in the kitchen. The new elements nodded to the original design and brought back items that had been previously removed from the house and saved like the original drainboard sink now in the butler's pantry. The house got a facelift on the outside too with a polychrome paint job that really highlights the beautiful details.

Come celebrate this labor of love with us on September 26th at the Cathedral of All Saints!

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