RCC Receives Capital Grant to Finish Floors
The Roycroft Campus in East Aurora, NY is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of a $200,000 capital grant from Erie County for the restoration of the historic Copper Shop floors, in addition to a $35,756 grant in support of their 2019 programming expenses. These grants signify the Erie County Legislature and County Executive’s faith in the Campus’ recent growth.
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986, the Roycroft Campus is a unique and irreplaceable historic site that welcomes thousands of visitors annually. The Copper Shop building, which was constructed in 1902, serves as the Campus’ main art gallery and gift shop. Now more than a century old, the condition of the floors creates a potential hazard to visitors and the building is in need of other significant structural restoration. Completion of this phase of restoration is slated for June of 2019.
Remodel of the Copper Shop Gallery. The floors are being replaced thanks to a new capital grant. Photo Courtesy of the Roycroft Campus Corporation.
“We are preserving history for future generations with our investments at the Roycroft Campus,” states Erie County Executive, Mark Poloncarz, “carefully restoring the floors of the historic Copper Shop and adding years to its lifespan. This funding demonstrates our commitment to keeping these treasures well-maintained and viable for our children and grandchildren to enjoy, and to remain as a tourist attraction for generations as well.”
Erie County funding will also support enhancements to the Roycroft Campus’ ongoing program offerings such as hands-on adult and youth art workshops, educational lectures, tours, book and film clubs, rotating contemporary art exhibits, and permanent exhibits featuring Roycroft artifacts from the Campus’ heyday in the early 1900s, including original publications, furniture, copper works, and printing presses. Restoration of the Campus’ infrastructure along with improvements to their public programs will serve as a catalyst for the Western New York economy by reinforcing and enhancing the tourist-related activity and helping to position the Buffalo/Niagara region as a major cultural tourism destination.
“I am always proud to advocate for additional funding for the Roycroft Campus and their restoration efforts,” said Legislator Joseph Lorigo. “Their unique programs, exhibits, and infrastructure make the Roycroft an invaluable historic attraction in our community. I am happy to support this project, and I can’t wait to see the new floors once they’re installed. It is also my hope that the County continues its support of this National Historic Landmark.”
Over the next few years, the Roycroft Campus plans to focus on further restoration of the historic Copper Shop’s walls and windows, along with enhancements to the guest experience and program offerings. They are open to the public year-round, 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm. For more information, please visit their website at www.roycroftcampuscorp.com or call (716) 655-0261.
Outside view of the Roycroft Copper Shop. Photo Courtesy of the Roycroft Campus Corporation.
The Roycroft Campus Corporation (RCC) is a not for profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Roycroft Campus, a National Historic Landmark in East Aurora, New York. From 1897 to 1938, the Roycroft Campus was one of the most successful and well-known centers of the Arts & Crafts Movement in the United States, consisting of a community of over 500 artisans and craftspeople led by writer and entrepreneur, Elbert Hubbard. The RCC’s mission is to inspire visitors to experience the creativity, ideals and future of the Arts & Crafts Movement and to further promote and preserve the Roycroft Campus.