Announcement posted by request.

--Moderator, NYHIST-L

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:	 Scott Flaherty
Empire State Development
Phone: (518) 292-5131
E-Mail: [log in to unmask]	

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

SPONSORSHIPS OFFERED TO BOLSTER FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR PROMOTION ACROSS NEW YORK STATE

Albany, NY-A total of $35,000 in sponsorships is available to
organizations that promote public interest in the French and Indian War
within New York State, said Nicholas Westbrook, vice chair of the New
York State French & Indian War 250th Anniversary Commemoration
Commission.

"We are pleased to offer the Dickinson Sponsorships and look forward to
seeing new programs develop that will get people excited about local
history," said Westbrook. "Many critical battles of the French and
Indian War took place here in New York State, and this is a unique
opportunity to promote awareness of the war's significant role in
shaping our country." 

The New York State French and Indian War 250th Anniversary Commemoration
Commission, a consortium of history experts and representatives of state
and regional tourism agencies, was appointed to broaden and promote the
public's knowledge of the French and Indian War and its importance in
the state's history. Through 2010, the Commission is promoting a series
of battle reenactments at several sites across New York State while also
reaching out to students from kindergarten through 12th grade in order
to create awareness of the war's historical importance.

The legislation that established the Commission also designated specific
"signature events" that mark significant anniversaries of French and
Indian War battles throughout the state.  New York is home to numerous
venues controlled by various levels of federal, state and municipal
governments, not-for-profit entities and private owners, many of which
conduct French and Indian War programming each year, but do not have
signature event stature nor do they receive any outside financial
support.

The Dickinson Sponsorships offer support specifically for non-signature
events, with up to $4,000 available per event. The sponsorships are
named in memory of Ogdensburg native David Dickinson (1947-2004), who
was instrumental in the formation of the New York State French and
Indian War 250th Anniversary Commemoration Commission, and are available
to those operating federal, state and local New York State historic
sites, local governments and historians; tribal governments; schools
(both public and private); colleges and universities; chartered
historical institutions; and not-for-profit entities situated in New
York State.

For more information on the New York State French & Indian War 250th
Anniversary Commemoration Commission or for information on how to apply
for Dickinson Sponsorships, visit fiw250.iloveny.com.  Applications must
be received by the Commission before September 30, 2007.  

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Photos available for this release:

Native troops at Fort Ticonderoga's Grand Encampment (PHOTO CREDIT:
Compliments of Fort Ticonderoga)
Soldiers charge the battlefield at Fort Ontario in Oswego. (PHOTO
CREDIT: Kim Westcott)


To view photos, go to www.enewsrelease.com/pressroom and enter Release
ID: 105629