George Eastman Museum to Receive $500,000 in Federal Funding, Secured by Senator Charles Schumer, for the Preservation of Historic Mansion
Rochester, N.Y., January 29, 2026—Federal funds of $500,000 have been secured by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and appropriated for the George Eastman Museum to support the restoration of its historic house’s chimneys, parapets, and roof railings—all of which are in critical need of upgrades. The museum will receive a Save America’s Treasures grant from the Historic Preservation Fund of the National Park Service. United States Senator Chuck Schumer delivered this federal funding through the FY2026 Interior appropriations act, passed in the House (397–28) and Senate (82–15) and signed by the president.
Over the next two years, the mansion’s eleven large, original chimneys and thirteen parapets (protective wall extensions) will be restored and stabilized. This will prevent water infiltration into the structure. In addition, the severely deteriorated roof railing will be replaced. This project will ensure that the museum’s visitors and community members continue to have safe access to all public areas of the historic property, now and into the future.
“For the past four years, Senator Schumer has resolutely advocated for funds to support critical restoration work atop the roof of George Eastman’s mansion,” said Bruce Barnes, PhD, the Ron and Donna Fielding Director of the George Eastman Museum. “The museum’s members, staff, and trustees are deeply grateful to Senator Schumer. He has been a steadfast champion of arts, culture, historic preservation, and tourism—across New York State and the nation. The restoration work on our National Historic Landmark will benefit 125,000 museum visitors annually, as well as many members of the community who enjoy the museum property as a park.”
“The George Eastman Museum is the world’s oldest photography museum and a major cultural and tourism destination that attracts visitors to learn about photography, cinema, and Rochester’s rich history. Built in 1905, George Eastman’s historic residence has been part of the museum for more than 75 years, but some of its architectural elements have significantly deteriorated over time,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal grant will give the Eastman Museum resources it needs to ensure that this beautiful, historic estate can continue to help lift Rochester’s tourism economy, while telling the story of George Eastman’s life and legacy and how he developed the technology that made photography portable, simple, and affordable—right here in Rochester.”
The historic mansion's chimneys and roofs have significantly deteriorated over time as a result of Rochester’s annual freeze-thaw cycle. Open mortar joints have caused moisture infiltration, severe deterioration, and instability, including dislodged bricks. Moisture seepage into the structure has damaged plaster walls and ceilings. In addition, compromised by severe wood rot, portions of the roof railings have broken off.
In spring 2022, Bero Architecture was commissioned to evaluate the current preservation needs of the 35,000-square-foot residence. Based on their report, the restoration and repair of the building’s chimneys and parapets was prioritized. At that time, the museum began fundraising for the project.
In December 2022, the project was awarded a $500,000 grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (SHPO) through Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993. Funds have also been provided by the Georgia P. Gosnell Charitable Trust and individual donors.
Since 2012, the Eastman Museum has invested more than $6 million in projects to preserve and restore George Eastman’s grand residence—including its Palm House, porte cochere, Conservatory roof and clerestory windows, organs, East Porch, Bruce B. Bates Colonnade, captain’s walk, and 68 previously unrestored windows—and its gardens. In the Schuyler C. Townson Terrace Garden, the pergola was restored and the brick walkways were regraded and reset for accessibility. In the Rock Garden, the grape arbor is being restored and accessibility is being greatly improved.
Fundraising efforts for the preservation of George Eastman’s house and gardens continue. To learn more about George Eastman Museum’s restoration and construction projects, visit eastman.org/restoration-construction.
About the George Eastman Museum
Founded in 1947, the George Eastman Museum is the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the largest film archives in the United States. Its holdings comprise more than 400,000 photographs, 31,000 motion picture films, the world’s preeminent collection of photographic and cinematographic technology, one of the leading libraries of books and archival materials related to photography and cinema, and extensive holdings of documents and other objects related to George Eastman. The museum is located on the historic Rochester estate of entrepreneur and philanthropist George Eastman, the pioneer of popular photography. As a research and teaching institution, the Eastman Museum has an active publishing program, and its L. Jeffrey Selznick School of Film Preservation’s graduate program (a collaboration with the University of Rochester) makes critical contributions to film preservation. The George Eastman Museum is supported with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. For more information, visit eastman.org.