OGDENSBURG -- The Frederic Remington Art Museum will get $100,000 from the state to help preserve its collection of original Remington paintings, sketches and sculptures.

The museum will use the taxpayer money to upgrade its heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

“Recently, museum officials called on Senator Ritchie for help to upgrade the system, which has been in use for two decades,” according to a news release from Sen. Patty Ritchie’s office announcing the funding. “Upgrading the museum’s HVAC system will help to protect artwork from damage, as fluctuating climate could potentially harm the museum’s bronze sculptures, oil paintings and other works.”

An American illustrator, painter, sculptor and writer, Remington was born in Canton in 1861. He became famous for his depictions of the Old American West with images of cowboys, Native Americans and the U.S. Cavalry. In 2023, the Frederic Remington Art Museum — which was established in 1923 — will celebrate its 100th anniversary.

“Our unmatched Frederic Remington collection is an incomparable asset, and it must be cared for,” Remington Museum executive director Laura Foster said in a prepared statement. “We cannot thank Senator Ritchie enough for her support, which will allow us to make the necessary improvements to our building and help preserve these iconic works for posterity and the people of New York.”

“Simply put, the Frederic Remington Art Museum is a treasure,” Remington Board of Trustees President Kathy Wade said in a prepared statement. “We cannot thank Senator Ritchie enough for her assistance in securing this important grant, which will help protect the works of Frederic Remington and ensure our museum remains a gem of the North Country for many years to come.”

Ritchie, a Republican from Heuvelton, represents the 48th Senate District. It covers most of northern and western St. Lawrence County, including Ogdensburg, Gouverneur and Canton, and stretches south into Jefferson and Oswego counties.