Memorabilia of the U.S. president from Moravia, a man known for temporarily appeasing differences between the anti-slavery North and pro-slavery South through his Compromise of 1850, is closer to a home of its own.

During a Cayuga-Owasco Lakes Historical Society meeting last week, members unanimously agreed to accept a gift from Nucor Steel in Auburn to build a permanent building to display artifacts from the 13th U.S. president, Millard Fillmore.

“We had quite a good meeting, including a lengthy discussion about what people would like to see in the building,” said Dick Stoyell, chairman of the building committee for the Millard Fillmore Memorial Building Project.

Nucor will pay for and construct the steel frame, put up siding and a roof with volunteers from the company next year. The society will be responsible for the remaining funding needed to complete the building's construction.

“Now we have a lot of homework to do. We have to explore ways to get materials donated,” said historical society president Joyce Hackett Smith. The society will soon begin approaching foundations and businesses for donations and funding, Hackett Smith said.

Beardsley Design Associates will create the architectural plans for the building this winter. Construction won't begin until the warm weather arrives next year, Stoyell said. “Our biggest concern right now is how much this project is going to cost and how we are going to pay for it all,” Stoyell said.

The 25-by-40 foot building will be constructed next door to the History House, 14 West Cayuga St., Moravia, where Fillmore's keepsakes are currently displayed.

“Everything looks very good. I'm sure it will inspire other people to join us and help,” Stoyell said.

Society members have already received some financial donations but will spend the winter figuring out project finances.

“We really can't come forward with plans until the architects are done,” Stoyell said.

Staff writer Kristina Martino can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or

kristina.martino@lee.net