SCHUMER DELIVERS $500,000 FOR ROCHESTER’S BELOVED GEORGE EASTMAN MUSEUM FOR MAJOR RENOVATIONS TO PRESERVE HISTORIC MANSION & MAJOR TOURISM DESTINATION

For Over 75 Years, The George Eastman Museum Has Been a Leader in Photography, Cinema, And Related Technologies, But George Eastman's Mansion Needs Critical Repairs

Schumer Says Fed $$ Will Help Historic Museum Restore Original Chimneys, Parapets And Roof Railing To Ensure Visitor Safety And Preserve Historic Property

Schumer: Fed $$ Is Headed To Preserve Rochester's George Eastman Museum For Generations To Come!

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today announced he has delivered $500,000 in federal funding in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Interior spending bill, which just passed the Senate after passing the House of Representatives earlier this month, to help restore the historic mansion at Rochester's beloved George Eastman Museum, a world-renowned cultural institution and a primary tourist attraction in the Finger Lakes Region.

"The George Eastman Museum is the world's oldest photography museum, and a major cultural and tourism destination that attracts visitors to learn about Rochester's rich history. For more than 100 years, the historic house has been home to significant collections of photography and films, but its chimneys and roofs have significantly deteriorated over time. I'm proud to announce that I have secured $500,000 in federal funding to help the museum preserve this American treasure for generations to come," said Senator Schumer. "This boost will give the George Eastman Museum the resources it needs to ensure this beautiful, historic estate can continue to help lift Rochester's tourism economy while telling the story of George Eastman's life and legacy and how he developed the technology that made photography portable, simple, and affordable right here in Rochester."

"In the appropriations process for the past five years, Senator Schumer has resolutely advocated for federal funds to support critical restoration work atop the roof of George Eastman's mansion," said Bruce Barnes, the Ron and Donna Fielding Director of the George Eastman Museum. "The museum's members, staff, and trustees are deeply grateful to Senator Schumer. He has been a steadfast champion of arts, culture, historic preservation, and tourism-across New York State and the nation. The restoration work on our National Historic Landmark will benefit 125,000 museum visitors annually, as well as many members of the community who enjoy the museum property as a park."

The George Eastman Museum is the world's oldest photography museum and contains a renowned collection of photography, films, and related technology. George Eastman founded Eastman Kodak Company, and his residence and its gardens are an essential part of the museum.

George Eastman Museum will use the funding Schumer secured to restore the mansion's chimneys, parapets, and roof railings, all of which are in poor condition. Since 1905, the chimneys and parapets have been exposed to Rochester's annual freeze-thaw cycle, resulting in open mortar joints that have caused moisture infiltration, severe deterioration, and instability, including dislodged bricks. Moisture seepage into the mansion has damaged plaster walls and ceilings. In addition, compromised by severe wood rot, portions of the roof railings have broken off.

In the next two years, the mansion's eleven large, original chimneys and thirteen parapets will be restored and stabilized for the next 100 years. In addition, the severely deteriorated roof railing will be replaced; the new railing should be sustainable for the next up to 50 years. This will ensure that visitors and community members have safe access to all public areas of the historic property.

Founded in 1947, the George Eastman Museum is the world's oldest photography museum, one of the earliest film archives, and a primary tourist attraction in the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region. Every year, the museum welcomes people from across the world to enjoy exhibitions and films, learn about George Eastman's life and legacy, and study objects from the museum's significant collections of photography, films, and related technology. George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak Company, developed the technology that made photography portable, simple, and affordable. His 35,000-square-foot Colonial Revival mansion and its architect-designed gardens are an essential part of the museum, which is a National Historic Landmark site.

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