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                                  Taking Action to Save Belden House

Building on their ongoing efforts, the Friends of Belden House are entering a crucial new phase in their fight to preserve Putnam County's historic treasure, the 263-year-old Belden House. Their plan includes:

• Launching a new website: This online hub will inform the community about the group's goals, progress, and ways to get involved.
• Circulating a petition: This petition will urge the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to halt the planned demolition of Belden House.
• Securing historic designation: The Friends are working      towards placing Belden House on the State and National Registry of Historic Places, solidifying its significance.

For decades, the Friends of Belden House have fiercely opposed the destruction of this irreplaceable piece of Putnam County's history – architectural, cultural, and ancestral. They aim to:

• Rally the community: By raising awareness, they hope to garner public support for Belden House's preservation.
• Engage local officials: Working with county and town leaders, they strive to find solutions that overcome past negotiation stalemates.
• Urge the DEP to reconsider: They hope the DEP will reverse course and embrace a more collaborative approach.

                                      A Legacy for Future Generations

As the late Bruce Heilman, former chairman of the Friends of Belden House, envisioned, the website will be a central resource. It will:

• Inform the community about the group's objectives and progress.
• Showcase Belden House's rich history:
  • Its connection to Putnam County's pre-revolutionary,       revolutionary, and Civil War eras.
  • The story of the Belden family and their life on the land.
  • The role of the DEP, the watershed, and the West       Branch Reservoir in New York City's water supply.

Ultimately, as Geoffrey Lock, a founding member of the Friends, emphasizes, the benefits of saving Belden House extend far beyond preservation. It presents an opportunity for the DEP to:

• Transform a neglected property into a valuable asset for New York State residents.
• Shift from a legacy of neglect to one of responsible stewardship.
• Foster a long-term, positive partnership with the community.

By working together, the Friends of Belden House believe they can secure a brighter future for this historic landmark, ensuring its place in Putnam County's story for generations to come.