Updated 7/11/24

Phase 1:  Stabilization & Protection - COMPLETE

Below are estimates for stabilizing and protecting the vault while retaining the vault’s historic character.

$10,000  Tree removal, grading and defined right-of-way *1

$1,600  Archaeological assessment of interior of vault *2

$1,575  Analyze depression on top of vault *3

$2,800  Repair damaged sarcophagus of John H. Slingerland within vault *4

$1,344  Historical Marker *5

$58,000  Rebuild stonework at front of vault *6

$2,520  Replacement of vault identifying entablature *7

$4,800  Replacement of vault door (current door is beyond restoration) *8

$3,500 Regrading *9

$86,139  Total Phase 1

Phase 2:  Aesthetics

Funds remaining after the above efforts will be used for aesthetics, such as filling the depression at the top 

of the vault, landscaping, informational kiosk or a walkable path to the site.

$300 Cleaning of monument

$1,100  Repair / re-set pillars and install chain

$2,500 Tree removal in right of way

$1,000 Chain barrier at top of vault

$7,000 Walkway to top of vault *10

$4,212 Interpretive signage *11

$1,000 Landscaping

$3,000 Right of way path *9

$20,000 Installation of perimeter fence

$3,000 Bench and display of original door

$43,112  Total Phase 2

Phase 3:  Preservation Fund

With an eye towards the continued preservation and repair of the site, and the vault in particular, we are establishing a Preservation Fund at The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.  This will ensure that the vault will continue to be maintained in a respectful state for all to enjoy in perpetuity.

$25,000 Total Phase 3

*Completed Items

1. Tree removal, grading and defined right-of-way was completed with Town of Bethlehem resources at no cost to this project.

2. Archaeological assessment of the interior of the vault was completed by Archaeologist Daniel E. Mazeau and Archaeologist Sean Higgins of Beverwyck Archaeology at no cost to this project.

3. Analyze depression at the top of the vault was completed by Jack Healy, P.E. of Ryan Biggs | Clark Davis Engineering & Surveying, D.P.C. at no cost to this project.  Jack supervised a team of volunteers consisting of descendants Frank Slingerland, Bob Mullens, Sue Virgilio and Jason Virgilio as well as Town Historian Susan Leath.

4. John H. Slingerland's sarcophagus was repaired by Bourque Construction which is based in Slingerlands.  Joseph and Mary Ellen Grimaldi have donated $1,135 to be used to replace the marble marker on John H. Slingerland's sarcophagus during the repair.  Mary Ellen is John H.'s great-granddaughter.

5. The historical marker was donated by former Slingerlands Elementary School teacher Evonne Lutkus.

6. Ganem Contracting Corp began rebuilding the stone front of the vault on 5/27/2020 and completed on 9/2/2020.  An Albany Count Legislative Grant (sponsored by Bill Reinhardt and Frank Mauriello) as well as a matching donation from Frank and Sue Virgilio funded $5,050 with the balance funded by general donations.

7. The entablature was purchased from Stefanazzi and Spargo by Frank and Sue Virgilio.  Sue is John I. Slingerland's 3rd great-granddaughter.  The donation is in memory of Elizabeth Vanderzee Slingerland, John I.'s first wife and Sue's 3rd great-grandmother, whose burial location is not known.

8. Stewart's Shops donated $2,000 toward the cost of the door and the balance was funded by general donations.  Adnak Contracting Services LLC, a Women Owned Business located in Saratoga NY, fabricated and installed the door which cost $5,200 less than the amount originally budgeted.

9. Regrading and istallation of a right of way path were completed with Town of Bethlehem resources at no cost to this project.

10. Heritage Masonry crafted steps to the top of the vault using broken stones which were removed when the vault stonework was repaired.

11. Michael Chrisner of Design for a Small Planet worked with the Friends to create the educational signage.  The sign was manufactured by Fossil Industries.