Exciting News: Tesla Science Center in Shoreham Secures $500,000 Grant from New York State Parks for Laboratory Restoration!

The Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe recently received a $500,000 boost from New York State Parks. This funding will help restore Nikola Tesla’s only surviving laboratory, which suffered serious damage in a fire in November 2023.

This grant is crucial as the Center works to raise funds for its Capital Campaign. They aim to restore the lab and turn it into an educational and innovation hub. The project’s cost has risen from an initial estimate of $20 million to $24 million due to fire damage and inflation. So far, they’ve raised $14 million.

“This grant is a tremendous step forward in our recovery journey,” said Marc Alessi, Executive Director of the Tesla Science Center. He expressed gratitude to New York State Parks for aiding in the preservation of this important site.

The November fire caused extensive damage to the historic laboratory, built in 1901. It destroyed key features like the roof, chimney, and cupola, with repairs estimated at over $3 million. Almost a year later, the cause of the fire is still unknown, though evidence suggests it may have been due to contractor error. Sparks from blowtorches used during construction likely sparked the flames.

The Center has received some insurance payout, but it’s not enough to cover the damages. They have removed the contractor responsible for the work and are appealing the contractor’s insurance denial.

Despite these setbacks, the Tesla Science Center is making progress in restoring the site. Immediate tasks include clearing debris, checking the building’s structural stability, and protecting it from the elements. The new grant will help fund these necessary actions, ensuring the site remains a valuable resource for the local community.