SC New York News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced a $45,000 grant for the John W. Jones Museum in Elmira, New York. This grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will fund the pre-development plans necessary for the museum’s expansion, matched by an additional $45,000 from local sources, bringing the total project funding to $90,000.

“The John W. Jones Museum honors a local hero and provides meaningful learning opportunities about his life and the Underground Railroad,” said Congressman Langworthy. “This federal investment, matched by local funding, will allow the museum to increase its visitor capacity and expand its programming, ultimately allowing more visitors to engage with and learn from this important piece of our history.”

The museum has experienced an increase in demand; however, its capacity is limited to the building's original footprint, accommodating only eight visitors at a time. The museum will use ARC funding to hire an architect to complete the necessary pre-development activities required for construction.

The ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian region. Its mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian region.