Learn Your Home’s Story
Otsego 2000 will offer a free drop-in program, “Learn Your Home’s Story,” on Saturday, May 24 from 10 am to noon at the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market. Dr. Cindy Falk, Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies at SUNY Oneonta and Professor of Material Culture at the University’s Cooperstown Graduate Program, will answer questions about a home’s age, style and context and offer resources to find out more about a home’s history. In addition, Ellen Pope, Executive Director of Otsego 2000, will have information on tax credits available to homeowners in historic districts. The Farmers’ Market is located in Pioneer Alley at 101 Main Street in Cooperstown and is open from 9 am to 2 pm.
“Our region has a wealth of historic architectural styles, and each home has its own story,” said Pope. “Otsego 2000 connects people with the architectural history of their homes, our villages and towns, and is happy to work with homeowners to take advantage of the New York State Historic Tax Credits for homeowners.”
Otsego 2000 provides free advice and technical assistance to homeowners and business owners in Otsego County historic districts wanting to apply for New York State Historic Tax Credits. It also offers support to owners looking to repair historic barns or carriage houses built before 1946. The NYS Historic Barn Rehabilitation Tax Credit is a 25% income tax credit, and barns do not need to be listed on the National or State Registers of Historic Places to qualify. Since the first Historic Tax Credit workshop held in Otsego County in 2011, Otsego 2000 has assisted more than 100 homeowners with applying for the NYS Historic Tax Credit program, representing over $5 million in historic home repairs and renovations, and over $1 million in tax credits earned by Otsego County homeowners. To arrange a meeting, please call Otsego 2000, 607/547-8881.
Pope also noted that Otsego 2000 is once again offering a monthly series of Historic Preservation Walking Tours featuring Dr. Falk. The first walk is on June 8 in South Worcester. To register or for more information, go to otsego2000.org or call 607/547-8881.