In late 1993 the Syracuse City Council endorsed an idea suggested by the Historical Commission. The Idea was to form a private organization to raise money to finance construction of a Museum and Cultural Center at the Joseph Holbrook Centennial Park, east of Syracuse City Hall. Initially the idea was limited to a 3,600 square-foot museum building structure with a small outdoor amphitheater at an estimated cost of $380,000. The idea was soon expanded to up-size the amphitheater to accommodate a minimum of 500 patrons. The enlarged amphitheater added an additional estimated price tag of just under $200,000.

As of January 1999 the Foundation has raised over $421,000, which consists of money-in-hand plus a commitment for an $80,000 four-to-one matching cash donations upon request. Moreover, several resident construction business have committed to donate various labor and equipment when requested.

Syracuse History Book

"THE COMMUNITY OF SYRACUSE -1820 TO 1995" History book is available from the City Office or at the Museum for $25.00 per copy. The book is a beautiful hard bound 8 1/2" x 11" Centennial Edition, with over 450 pages of narrative and pictures.