Ford Memorial Library Media Release
For Immediate Release: July 1, 2020
Media Contact: Shannon O’Connor, Director
Phone: (607) 869-3031
Email: [email protected]
Library Receives $50,000 Grant for Agriculture and Craft Beverage Project
OVID–Ovid’s Edith B. Ford Memorial Library has announced the “Cayuga-Seneca Lakes Agriculture and Craft Beverage Memory Project,” a ground-breaking effort to document the history, impact and reach of the pioneering craft beverage industries located between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes.
Made possible by a two-year, $50,000 Accelerating Promising Practices for Small Libraries grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Agriculture and Craft Beverage Memory Project will create–through interviews from winery owners, vineyard managers, vintners, brewers, distillers and cider makers–a rich oral history of the region’s world-renowned beverage industry.
“The small towns between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes are home to America’s first and longest running wine trail and a thriving wine and beverage industry,” Ford Memorial Library Director Shannon O’Connor said. “We are thrilled to be able to collect and preserve the proud history and tradition of one of our region’s most revered industries and deeply grateful to the Institute for Museum and Library Services for its generous support of this exciting project.”
Set to begin in September, the project will be spearheaded by library archivist Monica Wilkinson Kelly and include recorded interviews and podcasts featuring key members of the wine and craft beverage community, as well as public round-table discussions led by industry leaders and local historians.
In addition to participating in related events and activities, community members are encouraged to donate or loan industry-related ephemera, to be featured in corresponding exhibitions.
For more information, visit craftbeveragememoryproject.com, or contact the library directly at [email protected] or (607)869-3031.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for their support. IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. They advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Their vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities.