The Greene County Historical Society asked county legislators during the County Resources session to release $37,000 that had been appropriated and encumbered by the county last year to serve as a local match for a New York State preservation grant.

“My name is Ken Gifford. I’ve been a consultant to the Brock Museum and the Greene County Historical Society, for the last couple of years,” Gifford told legislators as he laid out the society’s recent history and current needs. He described a failed first grant application, a resubmitted grant and a list of deferred maintenance that includes a failing porch on the 1738 house, a missing roof downspout and accumulated debris across the campus. “What we’re asking if at all possible is to release that $37,000 to us which we will match with our resources and get started on this program,” he said.

The request matters because the society told the legislature the county‑encumbered funds would strengthen its competitiveness for an Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation grant. Chris Baez, identified in the presentation as the society’s president, said the group has engaged an architectural‑preservation firm to prepare a conditions report that can be submitted with future grant applications.

Society officers also described the organization’s finances and operations in response to legislators’ questions. The society’s treasurer said payroll represents roughly half of the operating budget, that maintenance is about 10% and that the group has relied on reserves and volunteer labor. The society estimated annual visitation of about 1,500 people from school groups, tour groups and individual visitors.

The society’s presentation included specific capital needs at the newly reconstructed barn (additional electrical work, a functioning water line for the radiant‑heat system) and an inventory of artifacts and barns the group seeks to preserve. The speakers said they have increased fundraising activity and sponsorships and are continuing outreach to regional audiences.

Separately during the meeting the legislature approved a budget amendment described as a Greene County historian local‑partnership allocation. The record shows the budget amendment was carried by vote; the society’s request to release the previously appropriated $37,000 was presented as a request for county action and not recorded in the transcript as having been formally approved at that moment.

Society leaders said they have resubmitted the state grant and will await the state’s decision; they asked the county to release the appropriation so they can complete work that would improve the project’s readiness for state funding.