"This place matters"
Community turns out to support preservation of Tesla site
1 comments below
Public officials spoke to a rally of more than 100 people in support of acquiring and preserving the Tesla property, the former lab of famed scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla in Shoreham.
"This place matters" read signs held by supporters gathered in the dappled shade next to the 16-acre site. The red brick building that was once Tesla's lab stood a few hundred feet away, with boards over its windows and vines beginning to creep at its foundation.
A nonprofit organization, the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe, formerly known as Friends of Science East, would like to see the building, which was erected more than a century ago, transformed into a museum and science center.
The site has historical significance, said the group's president Jane Alcorn, because it is the last remaining laboratory of Tesla, who can be credited with many discoveries and inventions that impact society today, including the alternating current power system, the bladeless steam turbine, spark plugs to start cars, early x-rays and the formative patents that led to the invention of radio.
And though the plan to turn the building into a museum and science center is still just that a plan -- momentum for the group's vision of the property is gaining steam.
Assemblyman Marc Alessi (D-Shoreham), took the occasion to make a special announcement: a $350,000 state grant to serve as a down payment to be used for the protection and preservation of the 16-acre site.
Brookhaven Town is "absolutely committed" to the preservation effort, said supervisor Mark Lesko, who was present along with Councilwoman Jane Bonner.
"We will be financially supportive, we'll be supportive in terms of in-kind work to remove some of the structures on this property, and we'll work with everyone to make this happen," Mr. Lesko said. That in-kind work is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, Ms. Bonner added.
Tesla's importance has been underappreciated for too long, Ms. Alcorn said. The science center envisioned by the nonprofit group would be dedicated to educating students and families about science, as well as pursuing Tesla's research into energy by establishing a "living museum where research continues in his honor," Ms. Alcorn said. A museum and science center will generate interest in energy research, specifically into Tesla's work, she added.
State Senator Ken LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) said that with support at every government level, he thinks the acquisition of the property will become a reality.
"When that happens, my experience is you will have success," he said. "Will this happen? Absolutely."
The effort to preserve the property is a test, Mr. Lesko said.
"If we can't preserve this property, shame on all of us," he said.
asnyder@northshoresun.com
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1 comments found
This Place Matters : 6/5/2009
I am 100% commited to doing everything I can to help in this effort to preserve Wardenclyffe as Tesla's only remaining laboritory site. I applaud Jane Alcorn's efforts as well as those of the Tesla Science Center. Tesla worked for the future. Now, the future has come and it is time for all of us to join together to continue Tesla's noble efforts.
