During a recent county services meeting, Ken Gifford, a landscape architect, presented an update on the Greene County Historical Society's plans for a new museum campus aimed at enhancing local tourism. Gifford outlined a strategic plan developed over the past year, which includes a request for $36,000 to match a $146,000 grant for master planning and design development.

The proposed project seeks to consolidate the museum's fragmented facilities into a cohesive campus that highlights Greene County's agricultural heritage, particularly its historic barns. Gifford emphasized the importance of preserving these structures, which represent various centuries of agricultural development, amidst a backdrop of declining barn preservation statewide.

The museum currently attracts nearly 1,000 visitors annually, with a notable international presence, particularly from the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries. Gifford noted that the museum's unique offerings, including the oldest Dutch home in the area, draw visitors interested in Dutch colonial architecture and family heritage.

The plan includes improvements such as better signage, parking, and landscaping to enhance visitor experience and accessibility. Gifford highlighted the need for engineering assessments to determine accurate costs and feasibility for the proposed developments.

The Historical Society aims to position the museum as a key tourist destination in Greene County, contributing to the region's broader tourism efforts. The request for funding is seen as a crucial step in realizing this vision, with the potential to significantly increase visitor numbers and community engagement in the coming years.