Civil War Memorial Rehabilitation Project Reaches Major Milestone with $300,000 in Grant Funding
Major preservation grants and historic designations move C.A.M.P. closer to reopening Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building
Postcard showing the Memorial and Historical Building soon after completion in 1914
LITTLE VALLEY - Since taking ownership of the Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building at 302 Court St., Little Valley, NY in 2017, C.A.M.P. (Citizens Advocating Memorial Preservation) has transformed a threatened Civil War Memorial Building into one of New York State's recognized preservation success stories. Through the dedication of volunteers led by President Thomas W. Stetz, C.A.M.P. has protected the property from further deterioration, earned listings on both the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places, and secured major grants totaling $300,000 to help with asbestos abatement and rehabilitation work.
GRANTS AND REGISTERS
In 2023, the Cattaraugus County Legislature agreed to donate $10,000 to C.A.M.P. to help the group get the building on the National Register of Historic Places.
With professional services provided by Clinton Brown Company Architecture, P.C. of Buffalo, NY, the property was nominated to be added to the New York State Register of Historic Places in 2025. Following a detailed review, the New York State Review Board recommended to the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation [the New York State Preservation Officer (SHPO)] that the Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building property be listed on the New York State Register of Historic Places and be nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. According to a letter to C.A.M.P. from R. Daniel Mackay, Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, the SHPO agreed with the nomination. The property was subsequently listed on the State Register of Historic Places, and the nomination was forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, D.C.
In a letter dated May 19, 2025, R. Daniel Mackay notified C.A.M.P. that the property was listed on May 12, 2025 on the National Register of Historic Places, “the nation’s official list of properties worthy of preservation. Listing on the National Register recognizes the importance of these properties to the history of our country and provides them with a measure of protection.”
In a December 23, 2025 letter from Tom Alworth, Executive Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, C.A.M.P. was notified of its grant award (EPF 259322,) with Mr. Alworth’s office recognizing “the vital role this project will play in enhancing the parks, environment, character, quality of life, and economic vitality” of our community.
In a February 3, 2026 letter from Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League of New York State, C.A.M.P. was informed of its Preservation Opportunity Fund grant award. C.A.M.P. is one of only two organizations receiving funding from the Preservation Opportunity Fund in its 2026 cycle. Upon first announcing the grant program in 2025, Mr. DiLorenzo said, “We have seen a clear need from nonprofits across the state for more grant funding specifically for capital improvement projects. Through our Preservation Opportunity Fund, we hope to meet some of that need.” In remarks announcing the award, Caitlin Meives, Director of Preservation at the Preservation League of NYS said, “C.A.M.P.'s efforts to save this important building from demolition demonstrates the power of grassroots preservationists. Without their tireless advocacy over the last ten years, this monument to Cattaraugus County's Civil War veterans would be long gone. We are thrilled to offer financial support to this worthy project - one that's especially fitting during the country's 250th anniversary.”
On May 19, 2026, Monica Emery, Grants and Donor Services Manager, notified C.A.M.P. on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation of a $2,500 grant. Established in 1994, the Community Foundation is “growing good” by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in our region. Grants from the Foundation support many areas including education, scholarships, healthcare, the arts, community development, human service and youth development. For more information, contact the Community Foundation at 716-372-CRCF (2723), email foundation@cattfoundation.org or visit www.cattfoundation.org.
PROGRESS AND NEXT STEPS
In recent years, C.A.M.P. worked with contractors to wrap certain areas of the exterior to prevent deterioration of masonry until more thorough work could be completed and install a new multi-layer roof system to protect the building from further water damage. C.A.M.P. President Thomas W. Stetz says the latest grant funds will be used for asbestos abatement and rehabilitation of the Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building. C.A.M.P. is currently in the planning phase for a capital campaign.
“The awarding of these grants is wonderful news. We are very grateful to the Cattaraugus County Legislature, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Preservation League of New York State, and the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation for their financial support. We are equally grateful to the New York State Review Board and Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, as the New York State Preservation Officer (SHPO), for listing the property on the New York State Register of Historic Places and recommending it to the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, D.C., and to the National Park Service for approving its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. For over a decade, C.A.M.P. has tirelessly taken the needed steps towards rehabilitating and reopening the Memorial Building at 302 Court St. in Little Valley. These grants and historic designations will allow us to make major progress and honor the patriotic contributions of Civil War soldiers and sailors from Cattaraugus County as well as this significant historic property,” he said.
About C.A.M.P.: Citizens Advocating Memorial Preservation (C.A.M.P.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, rehabilitating, and reopening the Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building in Little Valley, New York. Since taking ownership of the Memorial Building in 2017, C.A.M.P. has worked to preserve one of Cattaraugus County's most significant Civil War memorials while honoring the service and sacrifice of the County's Civil War soldiers and sailors. Through volunteer leadership, community partnerships, and public support, the organization is rehabilitating the historic landmark for future generations. Instructions on making a gift to C.A.M.P. can be found at https://cattcomemorial.org/donate/. Donors may also mail gifts by check with “Restricted to C.A.M.P.” written on the memo line to: Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, 301 N. Union St., Olean, NY 14760. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Individuals interested in making a multi-year gift, joining the C.A.M.P. Leadership Council, sharing stories of Cattaraugus County's Civil War veterans, or helping introduce C.A.M.P. to others who share our vision can reach out through the "CONTACT C.A.M.P." page at https://cattcomemorial.org and one of our Board Members will be in touch.
About the building at 302 Court St.: The Cattaraugus County Memorial and Historical Building has anchored the County Seat in Little Valley, NY since 1914, visibly expressing the County's gratitude for its citizens' service during the Civil War. This nationally significant building is not currently accessible to the public due to asbestos-containing materials. C.A.M.P., a community-led nonprofit, saved the Memorial Building from demolition, stabilized it, and made it rehab ready. These grants will help fund required interior remediation, enabling safe and healthy public access, which will allow public events for the first time in over 20 years.
Note: Opinions, results, findings and/or interpretations of data contained herein are the responsibility of the Citizens Advocating Memorial Preservation and do not necessarily represent the opinions, interpretations, or policy of New York State.