Sen. Fahy Announces $30,000 in Funding for Empire State Aerosciences Museum in Glenville

GLENVILLE, N.Y. – Today, Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany), Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature Gary Hughes, Glenville Town Supervisor Robert J. Kirkham Jr., and members of the Schenectady County Legislature announced that the Empire State Aerosciences Museum (ESAM), will receive $30,000 for youth programming through a legislative grant secured by Senator Fahy.

Currently, the museum’s operations are supported primarily by admissions, gift shop, event revenue, and additional support from Schenectady County, along with grants, gifts, and donations. Each time the museum acquires a new exhibit, annual insurance costs rise. For example, within the last year, the museum added an F-15C jet fighter to its collection from a National Guard unit in Massachusetts. Like most of the museum’s exhibited military aircraft, this plane is on ‘permanent loan’ from the US Air Force, but the cost of the required insurance for the collection increases each time exhibits are expanded or added.

This funding will allow ESAM to devote more of its limited operating resources to supporting expanding its education programs, STEM camp activities, and other important work they do at ESAM to educate, entertain, and excite the community about the important history of aviation in the Empire State. ESAM began in 1984 when four aircraft and flying enthusiasts, Carl Battaglia, Ernie Tetrault, James Delmonaco and Steven Israel, banded together in their desire to create a museum with the purpose of inspiring and educating the public about the wonders of flight

“I’m thrilled to be able to secure $30,000 for the Empire State Aerosciences Museum,” said Senator Patricia Fahy. “This funding will expand the Museum’s ability to offer youth programming and educational programs that enrich our community and remind people about the importance of aeroscience in Upstate New York. I couldn’t be more excited to see this grant get put to use in serving our community and visitors alike.”

“The Empire State Aerosciences Museum sincerely appreciates Senator Fahy’s generous support. This grant award and her ongoing engagement in our activities demonstrates that she understands and appreciates the important educational and economic impact that cultural institutions like ESAM have in our community,” said Tim Burke, ESAM Trustee.

“We’re grateful to Senator Fahy for securing this important funding for the Empire State Aerosciences Museum,” said Gary Hughes, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “ESAM is a unique cultural and educational asset in our community, and this support will help them continue to inspire visitors and expand their programming for years to come.”

“This funding will enhance ESAM’s mission statement to educate and excite the public with their exhibits and programs,” said Town of Glenville Supervisor Robert Kirkham. “I’m grateful for the support provided by Senator Fahy shown in her collaborative efforts for our community.”

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