its scale and general character there is nothing, on the outside, that would distinguish the Kings County Savings Bank from a millionaires mansion." (from History Preserved: New York City Landmarks & Historic Districts, Harmon H. Gladstone & Martha Dalyrmple, Simon & Schuster, 1974). The building remained in continuous bank ownership and use for well over a century. It ceased to be used as a bank in the 1980s. Bank timeline From the public records: April 10, 1860 – New York State chartered Kings County Savings Bank December 31, 1968 – merge with State Union Square Savings Bank, name changed to United Mutual Savings Bank September 24, 1982 – merge with State American Savings Bank July 29, 1983 – converted to Federal American Savings Bank, F.S.B. December 29, 1989 – convert to State American Savings Bank June 12, 1992 – LID Sold To Ridgewood Savings Bank October 20, 1995 – liquidated Williamsburg Art & Historical Center Currently the building houses the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, a not-for profit art organization founded by artist Yuko Nii in October 1996. The Center presents art exhibitions, performances and cultural events as well as lectures, seminars and educational programs of both local and international interest. It also preserves and displays historical art and artifacts. On July 31, 2008, John B. Manbeck, the official Brooklyn Borough Historian from 1993 to 2002, said in an article in the Brooklyn Eagle: Art in Williamsburg has made great strides. In fact, all Williamsburg has progressed, undoubtedly because of its attraction to artists. Much of the credit must be placed on the doorstep of the director of the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, Yuko Nii. The center operates out of the former Kings County Savings Bank Building (1867) and celebrated an infusion of a $500,000 capital funding grant from the city. In 2009 ownership of the building was transferred to the Yuko Nii Foundation. See also List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Brooklyn National Register of Historic Places listings in Brooklyn References Notes External links Official website New York Times article, Oct. 29, 2000 Theatres in Brooklyn Music venues in Brooklyn Commercial buildings in Brooklyn Bank buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in New York City New York City Designated Landmarks in Brooklyn Commercial buildings completed in 1867 Williamsburg, Brooklyn 1867 establishments in New York (state) National Register of Historic Places in Brooklyn