10/16/2026
The Reher Center team is deeply saddened to share the loss of our dear friend and legal counsel Leonard Easter. Leonard, known as Len to his friends, was an attorney, educator, musician, and lover of the arts. Reher Center staff and board members describe him as “a guiding light”, “a true gem”, and “a terrifically fantastic and talented human being”.
With Len’s guidance, the Center became a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, received its provisional museum status, and, most recently, was granted its official classification as a permanent museum through an Absolute Charter granted by NYS Board of Education.
We recently had the privilege of speaking with Len about his time with the Reher Center. We’d like to share his words with you today.
_
What drew you to the Reher Center and how did you first get involved?
I have rendered legal services and assistance to the Reher Center initially in obtaining a provisional museum status and to date in rendering pro-bono legal assistance concerning various matters [including the application for] permanent museum status after a period of growth and refinement.
_
How does supporting immigrant stories and local history align with what matters most to you?
In these turbulent times, when the word "immigrant" is being twisted to indicate "outsiders", Reher stands for the notion that the flow of various people to this place has and continues to enrich this community.
_
What do you hope for the future of the Reher Center?
To me, the Reher Center is, indeed, a museum and as such, vital to community memory and history. Formal recognition of permanent museum status officially recognizes and enhances this value added to the community. I do hope that others learn about the values added to this community from the various immigrant populations that continue to come here. Frankly, I am not originally from this area and the Reher Center - or should I say - museum - has provided me with a significant historical orientation.
