Assemblywoman Woerner Passes Bill to Help Preserve Susan B. Anthony’s Childhood Home
Legislation adds the house to the resident curator program
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) announced that her legislation to include the Susan B. Anthony House in Battenville in the resident curator program has passed the Assembly (A.9781). This legislation has also passed the state Senate and now awaits the governor’s signature.
“Our region is rich with history and filled with treasures right in our own backyard,” said Assemblywoman Woerner. “By adding the Susan B. Anthony House to the resident curator program, we’ll be able to preserve history and save this storied home for future generations to enjoy and learn from.”
Susan Brownell Anthony (1820-1906) was a leader in the woman’s suffrage movement during the 19th century.1 Born in Massachusetts, Anthony grew up in Washington County, and her childhood home is now a historic site that residents and tourists can visit. The house was built in 1832 along what is now Route 29 in Battenville.2 Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the state took over ownership of the house in 2006.3
“I am thrilled that we are now one step closer to preserving the Susan B. Anthony House,” said Sara Idleman, Town of Greenwich Supervisor. “Particularly in light of the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement, it’s important for us to have the opportunity to reflect on Susan B. Anthony’s incredible legacy of advocacy for human rights here in Greenwich and Washington County.”
“The Battenkill Conservancy commends Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner for her work on this bill and securing the votes to pass it. We look forward to working with her office and the state on preserving this historic structure on the Battenkill,” said Lorraine Merghart Ballard, executive director of the Battenkill Conservancy. “Our mission is all about increasing awareness of the Battenkill and by spotlighting the SBA house, we spotlight the historic, cultural, recreational and most importantly, the environmental assets of the Battenkill watershed.”
The bill adds the Susan B. Anthony House to the 11th region for the resident curator program, which would allow a curator to reside in the house in order to assume liabilities and the financial obligations for repair and maintenance.
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