Darlene Dombroski and Andrew Poss have a very large collection of antiques. Nearly 5,000 pieces.
Inherited from Dombroski’s mother after she died in 2010, most of the items are at the farm her parents had, made up of antiques, scientific curiosities, old toys, holiday decorations, and other novelties. She said they even have a rosewood marbletop table from the former Gasport Hotel.
One day later that year, they drove by the former Somerset Methodist Church and saw it was for sale.
“(Darlene) wanted to buy it,” Poss said. “We did (and) set up the (Somerset Union) museum as a 501c3, got all the certificates, and donated the farm and antiquities to the museum.”
They moved their massive collection to the former church to become the Somerset Union Museum. The church at 8501 Lake Road was originally completed in June 1878, with subsequent expansions taking place over the years until being abandoned in 1969.
Both being retired scientists, Poss and Dombroski will display old equipment like microscopes and balances. They also plan on plenty of holiday displays, like an old feather tree and a sleigh from the 1800s already set up outside the church.
From when Dombroski and Poss purchased the church in 2010, it took until 2022 to complete the first three phases of work, which included stabilizing the exterior building structure, renovating the building’s northern half, and relocating the display cases and museum collection.
“It’s been an experience of love,” Poss said, with that time spent remodeling, updating the electric and plumbing, and even repairing the roof after damages during the December 2022 blizzard.
The final renovation needed is to the nave area where worship took place, encompassing a 60-foot by 40-foot hall and a 12-foot by 17-foot stage. 50 cabinets already bought for the display area.
The two are seeking $75,000 in Niagara River Greenway funding for this $171,000 project phase, with other funding sources including $20,000 from the museum trustees and $4,630 from AES Somerset Solar for new lighting.
“We hope (people) get an understanding of science and see unique things that bring them back to their childhood,” Poss said. He also hopes it becomes a tourist magnet and the start of a historic trail in Somerset along with Golden Hill State Park and the Babcock House Museum.
Funding for other renovation projects include $10,000 from the NYS Council on the Arts for renovating the foyer, the County’s Facade Program contributing towards a $59,000 vinyl siding and stained glass window repair, and $2,000 from Arts Services Inc. for a sign in front of the building. The Griggs Foundation also contributed towards renovations.
The greenway’s standing committee tabled their approval for this project due to some missing elements in the application, requiring them to resubmit. The project then needs approval from the Niagara County Host Standing Committee, their next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 12.
Dombroski wants this completed and open by May 2026 before she turns 70.