Funding Secured for Guild Hall by Congressman Nick LaLota

A recent announcement by Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01) reported that Guild Hall, the esteemed art institution located in East Hampton, has been awarded a federal grant of $50,000. The grant will be channeled towards Guild Hall's Artist-in-Residence program, specifically the First Literature Project, which is devoted to reviving the Shinnecock language.

LaLota, commenting on the award, declared, "Revitalizing the Shinnecock language is a wonderful endeavor and I am happy to see Guild Hall receive this funding to help cover costs. In Congress, I will always fight for more federal funding to come to Suffolk County. Doing so makes Suffolk County a better and more affordable place to live, work and raise a family."

Congressman Nick LaLota File Photo

The First Literature Project of Guild Hall has a distinctive mission: preserving Indigenous stories, culture, and the Shinnecock language. The Project's plans include using advanced technologies like 3D, virtual reality, and holography to create two immersive orations set for an exhibition at Guild Hall in Spring 2024.

Part of the Project's scope also involves assembling all materials employed in Shinnecock language research, intending to create a comprehensive database. This database will act as a vital resource for future research. A video archive will also be compiled for the Padoquohan Medicine Lodge, serving as a documentary record of interviews with Shinnecock Tribal members.

The grant received by Guild Hall originates from the Library of Congress. It will support the creation and operation of Ayím Kutoowonk (She Speaks), a language revitalization group grounded in the community.