PRESERVING WOODSTOCK

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Announces Historic Preservation Fundraising Campaign for the National Register Historic Site

BETHEL, N.Y., Aug. 11, 2017 -- In celebration of the 48th Anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – the not-for-profit cultural center and museum located at the fabled festival's historic site – has announced a Crowdrise fundraising campaign to support new preservation and interpretation efforts.

On the weekend of August 15-17 in 1969, half-a-million people gathered on Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, N.Y. for the Woodstock festival, a three-day event that has come to represent a generation, and the power of peace, love and music. This watershed moment in American history continues to be a beacon of hope for people of all generations, and its historic site attracts visitors from around the globe.

As the 50th Anniversary approaches, Bethel Woods continues to carry on that spirit, while preserving and interpreting its historic site. The organization has embarked on a series of historic preservation projects that will enhance the visitor experience, restore and open to the public new areas of the festival site, and introduce immersive technologies that will immerse guests in the site's history.

In support of these projects, Bethel Woods launched an online campaign via Crowdrise, to raise the funds needed for the Bindy Bazaar Trails Project, which will restore the forested trails of the festival's marketplace, providing access to walking trails including reproductions of the iconic signage that proclaimed the "High Way," "Groovy Way," and "Gentle Path" in the woods. In the spirit of community that permeated Woodstock, Bethel Woods is raising the funds needed for this project via the online fundraising platform, Crowdrise with a goal of $25,000 - seeking individual donations starting at just $10. To be a part of preserving this important piece of our cultural heritage, please visit crowdrise.com/preservingwoodstock.

Bethel Woods' CEO Darlene Fedun said, "At its heart Woodstock was about the peaceful community that grew out of quite difficult circumstances, working together and sharing what they had with each other – and so is this fundraiser. This is a true example of how each of us, when united as a community, can make a much greater positive impact together, and through this fundraiser can contribute to preserving a treasured piece of history for future generations."

Recently, the Woodstock site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, formally acknowledging the significance of its heritage and setting in motion continued preservation efforts. Located 90 miles from New York City, Bethel Woods also features an 800-acre campus including a Pavilion amphitheater with a capacity of 15,000, an intimate indoor performance space, arts and humanities programs for all ages, and the award-winning Museum at Bethel Woods. Visit bethelwoodscenter.org for more information and to plan your visit.