Legislator Tom Cilmi joined Executive Director Vicki Berger, and Board members of the Suffolk County Historical Society at a ribbon cutting ceremony formally opening an accessible entrance.
A new section of the building was added which includes a ground floor entrance (previously, visitors had to climb a number of stairs), an elevator, and handicap-accessible bathrooms.
Addressing a room of supporters, Cilmi called the day a milestone, saying, “Suffolk County’s history is rich with diversity and includes contributions from people with different abilities. Today, our lives are enriched by that history, and enriched by that diversity. Thanks to the vision and efforts of the Society’s executive staff, especially Vicki Berger, its Board, and the generosity of its supporters, the Museum is now a place that every resident, regardless of ability, can enjoy.”
Also on hand were Kathryn Curran from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, who presented a check for $200,000 to the Suffolk County Historical Society, Frank Grasso from the John C. Dunphy Private Foundation, also a notable supporter, officials from the Town of Riverhead, as well as Frank Krotschinsky, Director of Suffolk Office of People with Disabilities.
