Otsego 2000 to offer free historic window workshop during Earth Fest

Otsego 2000 is offering a free Historic Window Restoration and Repair Workshop on Saturday, April 20 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Held during OCCA’s Earth Festival at Milford Central School, the hands-on workshop will be led by James Richardson, the founder and owner of Richardson Window Works in Cooperstown. He will show participants how to make historic windows as energy efficient as new thermal pane windows with demonstrations of historic window sash repair, reglazing, and restoration.

Reserve your spot by registering in advance online or by calling 607/547-8881. Limited to 25 people. Walk-ins welcome as space allows.

“Old windows, made from naturally dense-grained, rot-resistant old growth wood, were built to last, and are essential to retaining a home’s historic character. Restoring historic wood windows, and – critically – knowing how to maintain them, will improve their energy efficiency to the same level as replacement windows, and ensure they will last another 100 years in use rather than heading to a landfill,” said Ellen Pope, executive director of Otsego 2000.

Richardson Window Works restores and repairs wood windows constructed before 1940 and fabricates reproduction sash and storm windows. Since its founding in 2016, RWW has restored over 500 windows at more than 50 residences and commercial buildings, including Cooperstown’s Village Hall.

If you own an old house or storefront that is located within a historic district, you may be eligible to obtain New York State Homeowner or Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Credits. The Homeowner Tax Credits amount to 20% of the eligible rehabilitation costs. Projects must be pre-approved. Otsego 2000 offers free technical assistance in applying for these tax credits.

Otsego 2000 is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1981 to ensure the Otsego Lake region remains a masterpiece of nature by protecting and supporting its environmental, scenic, cultural, historic, and agricultural resources and its economic well-being. Otsego 2000 accomplishes its mission through programs like the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market, Otsego Outdoors, Glimmerglass Film Days, historic preservation initiatives, and environmental stewardship.