BREWSTER – Excitement reached a fevered pitch Thursday when contractors enclosed the new barn at Tilly Foster Farm, which will eventually become the home of Cornell Cooperative Extension Services of Putnam County.
An old cantina on the 199-acre farm was razed to make way for the two-story structure, which measures 68 x 40 x 21 feet. The first floor will accommodate a high-tech community center and lecture hall, allowing Cornell Cooperative Extension to expand its diagnostics lab. The second floor will house administrative offices.
Stefanie Hubert, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam, was joined by Frank Smith, President of the Cornell Board, and several trustees to celebrate the occasion. Hubert was overjoyed: “It’s here and is quite an unbelievable site. Now that the building is up we invite people to visit and take a look.” Hubert explained the entire process began with “Phase I preparations five years ago. COVID got in the way and interrupted, as it did with so many organizations’ plans.”
The project’s Build A Dream Capital Campaign began with a $750,000 goal, but has escalated over the last few years to nearly $1 million. The organization has raised half of that total so far from foundations and through public grants and private philanthropy.
Cornell Cooperative Extension translates Cornell University’s research into practical, real-world knowledge that helps New York state residents, businesses, and communities thrive.
Hubert noted: “Many people don’t really know who we are and what we do. There is definitely an awareness issue concerning our mission and the services we provide. Perhaps this relocation will help that somewhat,” he lamented.
Frank Smith, president of the Cornell Board, said “When one thinks of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County, it doesn’t fit with the mission. The new facility now fits with what Cornell Cooperative Extension really does. We will now be on a farm and it really fits well.”
Hubert added the new building will not only blend into the aesthetics of the historic Tilly Foster Farm but will provide office space to grow into and, at the same time, have a large work area for lectures, demonstrations, and conferences.”
Tilly Foster Farm has a rich history in Putnam County spanning over 200 years, evolving from a dairy farm to a horse-breeding farm, to a museum and educational center. Putnam County assumed full day-to-day operations of Tilly Foster Farm in 2014, and it became a place to experience the county’s farming heritage.
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