01/26/2021
We are thrilled to announce the start of a project the team at NYCHAPS has been proposed for years...
DILLSBURG — On December 23, 2020 it was announced that the Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society (NYCHAPS) received a $500,000 grant from the Redevelopment
Assistance Capital Program (RACP). The RACP program is extremely competitive, with more than $2 billion in requests during this round.
The funds will be used toward construction of the historically accurate early 19 th century Eichelberger Distillery on the property of the Historic Dills Tavern. The original Eichelberger distillery was built on the land acquired from tavern owner Matthew Dill's descendants in 1800. Early ledgers show that the Eichelberger distillery was very active and successful, creating significant wealth for the community.
The Dill's Tavern Historic and Educational Expansion project (Project) includes the site preparation and construction activities to re-establish the historic distillery along with site preparation to
facilitate the construction of a 1700s historic log replica, which will allow NYCHAPS to enhance the historic experience available to visitors, ultimately attracting new tourists to the Northern York
County area.
"This is wonderful news," said Director of Building and Grounds Sam McKinney. "We want to thank Senator Mike Regan and Representative Dawn Keefer for their advocacy; they were key in getting this award pushed through.” Senator Regan added, “It was an honor to support and advocate for NYCHAPS and the historic Dill’s Tavern project which will only enhance Dillsburg. Dill’s Tavern has a rich history and this funding will help preserve that culture for years to come and make it a strong attraction in the area. I’d like to thank the dedicated volunteers and members of NYCHAPS for their tireless work.”
RACP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Governor’s Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.
"This grant will allow us to expand the scope of our historical and educational offerings on the Historic Dills Tavern property," said McKinney, “I'd also like to thank all of our many members and donors who have given generously in support of this project. I am pleased that Gov. Tom Wolf saw the merit in the project and authorized the release of RACP funds.”
