Sagtikos Manor Awarded Grant Money for Restoration Projects

The Sagtikos Manor Historical Society recently received donations to help with ongoing renovations to the Sagtikos Manor.

A $500 donation from the Suffolk County Parks Foundation was presented in person to the President of the Sagtikos Manor Historical Society, Christine Gottsch, on October 12 at the Manor. The money will be put toward the projects deemed most urgent by the society.

"The Society is extremely pleased to be recognized for this donation and as we continue to catalog the extensive collection at Sagtikos Manor the monies will be utilized to preserve and provide research for the collection," Gottsch said. "We appreciate that the Suffolk County Parks Foundation recognizes that Sagtikos Manor is an important historic landmark that requires preservation for future generations to enjoy."

One of the tasks the group is currently working on is the restoration of the artwork that has been compromised from the years of neglect before Suffolk County purchased the property.

When the Manor is open for tours, artwork and artifacts from the different families who owned it are showcased. The buildings and grounds of the Manor fell into disarray in the late 1990s after it was closed and put up for sale. The years of neglect took a toll on the home and contents within. 

"We're excited to be able to pitch in restoring the wonderful artifacts that make up Sagtikos Manor's significant collection," said Suffolk County Parks Foundation Executive Director Tom Malanga.

By the time the property was purchased by Suffolk County in 2002, major repairs and restorations were required. For the last eight years, private donations, grants and other funds have been raised to restore the Manor to its previous state.  The Manor, the oldest surviving home in the Town of Islip, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Greater Hudson Heritage Network also donated an art conservation grant.  The grant is set specifically for one painting in particular; an 1850 portrait believed to be of one of the members of the Gardiner family, Dr. Abraham Gardiner Thompson.  Dr. Gardiner is recognized as the designer of the Town of Islip's official seal.  The Alexander Katlan Conservator, Inc. company has been appointed for the job.

The network awards the grants in the hope that once the paintings are restored, they will be featured in public exhibitions for educational purposes.

Sagtikos Manor is open for tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Additional tours are scheduled to coincide with events held at the Manor. The next scheduled event will be "An International Christmas at Sagtikos Christmas Tour" on Saturday, December 11 and Sunday, December 12 from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.  For more information about this event or about becoming a member of the Sagtikos Manor Historical Society, visit their website.