"Emily Dickinson is considered one of the greatest poets in the English language," said museum director Cindy Dickinson, according to the press release. "Because Dickinson lived in Amherst her entire life, her home is the destination each year for visitors from around the world who come to better understand the poet whose work intrigues or inspires them. This generous appropriation comes at a critical time in the life of this new museum. We are grateful for Congressman Olver's support of the Emily Dickinson Museum as a vibrant and vital steward of Dickinson's immeasurable legacy."
The Emily Dickinson Museum includes the Homestead of 19th century poet Emily Dickinson, which the College has owned since 1965, and The Evergreens, the neighboring 1856 home of her brother and sister-in-law, which the College purchased last year. According to the Amherst Historical Society, Dickinson lived in the Homestead throughout her life, withdrawing from society and doing the majority of her writing there. The Evergreens was an important part of Dickinson's life and is a surviving example of a 19th century New England home.
According to the press release, the funding will be used for refurbishment and preservation to further the museum's mission to interpret Emily Dickinson's life, family and community. Restoration at the Homestead will focus on exterior carpentry, masonry and painting, while preservation at The Evergreens will concentrate on interior restoration. Both houses will undergo systems evaluations and upgrades to fire protection, security and climate control, according to the press release.