The Glen Conservancy

08/18/2026

Piedmont Bluz Acoustic Duo at The Glen Conservancy Hall, August 23, 3:00 pm

Experience the soulful sounds of the Piedmont Bluz Acoustic Duo—Valerie & Benedict Turner—live at The Glen Conservancy Hall—on Saturday, August 23, from 3:00 to 5:00pm at 1538 NY State Route 161, Hamlet of Glen, Fultonville, NY.

The award-winning Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo, featuring Valerie and Benedict Turner, serves as a premier ambassador of Country Blues, intricate Piedmont-style fingerpicking, and traditional roots percussion. As recipients of the prestigious Jalopy Folk Award and inductees into the New York Blues Hall of Fame, they are more than performers - they are storytellers and cultural historians. With a mission to celebrate the profound contributions of early African American artists, the duo brings the "hey-day" of the 1920s and 30s to life. They weave rich, historical anecdotes into every performance, delivering world-class musicianship to both domestic and international stages. Their dedication ensures these essential cultural narratives remain vibrant for modern audiences. The Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo is also featured in the award-winning documentary, A Man Called Hurt: The Life and Music of Mississippi John Hurt. Now part of the Music to Life Juried Artist roster, the Turners continue their global mission to honor African American musical heritage and the pioneers who shaped the blues.

The venue, Conservancy Hall, is a former branch of the Dutch Reformed Church, built in 1830. The structure, which seats over 100 and is ADA accessible, is located at 1538 State Route 161 in the hamlet of Glen, Montgomery County. It is a major element of the Glen National Register Historic District, which was created in 2001. The Hall was acquired by The Glen Conservancy in 2014 and is continuing to undergo restoration. Take a look at the newly restored iconic 1830s windows, restored by Alden Witham, recipient of the Preservation Leagues, Preservation Trades Award, 2026.

Tickets for the event are $20 ($15 for students and seniors), and may be purchased at the door or online at https://www.glenconservancy.com/

Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

This event is a unique opportunity for the community to experience a living piece of musical heritage.

For more information, please contact Wanda Burch, 518-922-7051, [email protected]

07/07/2026

Alden Witham Receives Statewide Recognition from the Preservation League of NYS
The annual Excellence in Historic Preservation Award recognizes the best examples of preservation happening across New York State

Contact: Katy Peace, Director of Communications, Preservation League of New York State
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHARON SPRINGS, NY, 07/07/26 — Alden Witham of Contractor’s Millworks has received a 2026 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Preservation League of NYS. Alden is the recipient of this year’s Preservation Trades Award, which honors individuals or teams that demonstrate exceptional skill, commitment, and creativity in traditional trades practices.

Since 1984, the League's annual Excellence Awards program has shined a light on the people who make positive change through preservation — including exemplary restoration projects, indispensable publications, individual action, and organizational distinction. This year’s Award winners will be recognized at a public reception in NYC on Monday, September 28. Event details can be found here: preservenys.org/excellence

Alden Witham has operated Contractors' Millworks in Sharon Springs, NY, for over 40 years, using authentic 19th century machinery which he began collecting in the 1970s. Commenting on Alden’s shop, Ronald Bunch, President of the Glen Conservancy said, “This isn’t just a museum of period machinery but a place where a window from the 19th century receives the specialized care in restoration from the kind of machine that originally understood and created it.”

Early work in the furniture industry led Alden to specialize in windows when he realized that they were often neglected by both craftsmen and professionals. Alden has restored windows in numerous early churches and historic structures in the Mohawk Valley, including windows in the Canajoharie Library and in the Old Stone Fort in Schoharie, NY. By his own estimation, Alden Witham has restored thousands of windows over the course of his decades-long career.

“This year’s Excellence Award winners truly represent what historic preservation is today,” said Preservation League President Jay DiLorenzo. “Our winners span the state from the urban centers of Buffalo and New York City to the rural communities of the Adirondacks. There are adaptive reuse projects, groups that have demonstrated long term stewardship and grassroots advocacy, and examples of truly exceptional craftsmanship. The League is honored to recognize their remarkable achievements and the contribution each has made to their communities and the state at large.”

2026 Awardees: The Van Ostrande-Radliff House, Albany, Albany County; American Lofts at Silo City, Buffalo, Erie County; Historic Saranac Lake Trudeau Building Rehabilitation, Saranac Lake, Franklin County; Eagle Island Camp, Franklin County; Friends of Abolitionist Place, Brooklyn Kings County; Alden Witham, Sharon Springs, Montgomery County; The Waldorf Astoria New York, Manhattan, New York County; Elmer Gardens, Schenectady, Schenectady County; National Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls, Seneca County; TRANSART & Cultural Service, Kingston, Ulster County
Recipients of the Excellence Award represent the very best of what the League stands for and supports in historic preservation. They exemplify best practices in the field and demonstrate how preservation is integral to building stronger neighborhoods, boosting local economies, tackling the affordable housing crisis, mitigating climate change, opening our eyes to overlooked history, and saving the places that are special to all of us. The Excellence Awards celebrate those who work so hard to protect that shared heritage.

About the Preservation League of New York State
Since its founding in 1974, the Preservation League of NYS has built a reputation for action and effectiveness. Our goal has been to preserve our historic buildings, districts, and landscapes and to build a better New York, one community at a time. The League empowers all New Yorkers to use historic preservation to enrich their communities, protect their heritage, and build a sustainable future. We lead advocacy, economic development, and education programs across the state. Connect with us at preservenys.org, facebook.com/preservenys, youtube.com/c/PreservationLeague and instagram.com/preservenys
# # #

Katy Peace (She/her/hers)
Director of Communications
Preservation League of NYS
So Our Past Has a Future
www.preservenys.org
44 Central Avenue | Albany, NY 12206

07/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BkQiB5weg/
Congratulations to Alden Witham, recipient of the Preservation League Trades Award

Alden Witham Receives Statewide Recognition from the Preservation League of NYS
The annual Excellence in Historic Preservation Award recognizes the best examples of preservation happening across New York State

Contact: Katy Peace, Director of Communications, Preservation League of New York State
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SHARON SPRINGS, NY, 07/07/26 — Alden Witham of Contractor’s Millworks has received a 2026 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Preservation League of NYS. Alden is the recipient of this year’s Preservation Trades Award, which honors individuals or teams that demonstrate exceptional skill, commitment, and creativity in traditional trades practices.

Since 1984, the League's annual Excellence Awards program has shined a light on the people who make positive change through preservation — including exemplary restoration projects, indispensable publications, individual action, and organizational distinction. This year’s Award winners will be recognized at a public reception in NYC on Monday, September 28. Event details can be found here: preservenys.org/excellence

Alden Witham has operated Contractors' Millworks in Sharon Springs, NY, for over 40 years, using authentic 19th century machinery which he began collecting in the 1970s. Commenting on Alden’s shop, Ronald Bunch, President of the Glen Conservancy said, “This isn’t just a museum of period machinery but a place where a window from the 19th century receives the specialized care in restoration from the kind of machine that originally understood and created it.”

Early work in the furniture industry led Alden to specialize in windows when he realized that they were often neglected by both craftsmen and professionals. Alden has restored windows in numerous early churches and historic structures in the Mohawk Valley, including windows in the Canajoharie Library and in the Old Stone Fort in Schoharie, NY. By his own estimation, Alden Witham has restored thousands of windows over the course of his decades-long career.

“This year’s Excellence Award winners truly represent what historic preservation is today,” said Preservation League President Jay DiLorenzo. “Our winners span the state from the urban centers of Buffalo and New York City to the rural communities of the Adirondacks. There are adaptive reuse projects, groups that have demonstrated long term stewardship and grassroots advocacy, and examples of truly exceptional craftsmanship. The League is honored to recognize their remarkable achievements and the contribution each has made to their communities and the state at large.”

2026 Awardees: The Van Ostrande-Radliff House, Albany, Albany County; American Lofts at Silo City, Buffalo, Erie County; Historic Saranac Lake Trudeau Building Rehabilitation, Saranac Lake, Franklin County; Eagle Island Camp, Franklin County; Friends of Abolitionist Place, Brooklyn Kings County; Alden Witham, Sharon Springs, Montgomery County; The Waldorf Astoria New York, Manhattan, New York County; Elmer Gardens, Schenectady, Schenectady County; National Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls, Seneca County; TRANSART & Cultural Service, Kingston, Ulster County
Recipients of the Excellence Award represent the very best of what the League stands for and supports in historic preservation. They exemplify best practices in the field and demonstrate how preservation is integral to building stronger neighborhoods, boosting local economies, tackling the affordable housing crisis, mitigating climate change, opening our eyes to overlooked history, and saving the places that are special to all of us. The Excellence Awards celebrate those who work so hard to protect that shared heritage.

About the Preservation League of New York State
Since its founding in 1974, the Preservation League of NYS has built a reputation for action and effectiveness. Our goal has been to preserve our historic buildings, districts, and landscapes and to build a better New York, one community at a time. The League empowers all New Yorkers to use historic preservation to enrich their communities, protect their heritage, and build a sustainable future. We lead advocacy, economic development, and education programs across the state. Connect with us at preservenys.org, facebook.com/preservenys, youtube.com/c/PreservationLeague and instagram.com/preservenys
# # #

Katy Peace (She/her/hers)
Director of Communications
Preservation League of NYS
So Our Past Has a Future
www.preservenys.org
44 Central Avenue | Albany, NY 12206

The League is thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2026 Excellence in Historic Preservation Awards! “This year’s Excellence Award winners truly represent what historic preservation is today,” said Preservation League President Jay DiLorenzo. “Our winners span the state from the urban centers of Buffalo and New York City to the rural communities of the Adirondacks. There are adaptive reuse projects, groups that have demonstrated long term stewardship and grassroots advocacy, and examples of truly exceptional craftsmanship. The League is honored to recognize their remarkable achievements and the contribution each has made to their communities and the state at large.”

The Van Ostrande-Radliff House, Historic Albany Foundation; American Lofts at Silo City, Carmina Wood Design, Buffalo; Historic Saranac Lake Trudeau Building Rehabilitation, Saranac Lake; Eagle Island Camp, Franklin County; Friends of Abolitionist Place, Brooklyn; Preservation Trades Awardee: Alden Witham, Sharon Springs; The Waldorf Astoria New York, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Manhattan; Elmer Gardens, Home Leasing + Better Community Neighborhoods, Schenectady; National Women's Hall of Fame, CJS Architects, Seneca Falls; Transart & Cultural Services, Kingston. Learn more here: https://www.preservenys.org/blog/announcing-the-2026-excellence-in-historic-preservation-award-winners