CONTACT:
Scott Flaherty, Empire State Development
(518) 292-5131
sflaherty@empire.state.ny.us

SPONSORSHIPS OFFERED TO BOLSTER
FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR PROMOTION ACROSS NEW YORK STATE

A total of $35,000 in sponsorships is available to organizations that promote public interest in the French and Indian War within New York State, said Nicholas Westbrook, vice chair of the New York State French & Indian War 250th Anniversary Commemoration Commission.

“We are pleased to offer the Dickinson Sponsorships and look forward to seeing new programs develop that will get people excited about local history,” said Westbrook. “Many critical battles of the French and Indian War took place here in New York State, and this is a unique opportunity to promote awareness of the war’s significant role in shaping our country.”

The New York State French and Indian War 250th Anniversary Commemoration Commission, a consortium of history experts and representatives of state and regional tourism agencies, was appointed to broaden and promote the public’s knowledge of the French and Indian War and its importance in the state’s history. Through 2010, the Commission is promoting a series of battle reenactments at several sites across New York State while also reaching out to students from kindergarten through 12th grade in order to create awareness of the war’s historical importance.

The legislation that established the Commission also designated specific “signature events” that mark significant anniversaries of French and Indian War battles throughout the state. New York is home to numerous venues controlled by various levels of federal, state and municipal governments, not-for-profit entities and private owners, many of which conduct French and Indian War programming each year, but do not have signature event stature nor do they receive any outside financial support.

The Dickinson Sponsorships offer support specifically for non-signature events, with up to $4,000 available per event. The sponsorships are named in memory of Ogdensburg native David Dickinson (1947-2004), who was instrumental in the formation of the New York State French and Indian War 250th Anniversary Commemoration Commission, and are available to those operating federal, state and local New York State historic sites, local governments and historians; tribal governments; schools (both public and private); colleges and universities; chartered historical institutions; and not-for-profit entities situated in New York State.

For more information on the New York State French & Indian War 250th Anniversary Commemoration Commission or for information on how to apply for Dickinson Sponsorships, visit fiw250.iloveny.com. Applications must be received by the Commission before September 30, 2007.
 

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Editor’s Note: For downloadable photographs depicting New York State’s French and Indian War sites, visit www.iloveny.com/pressroom.