A group has formed in New York in an attempt to prevent a small museum's Thomas Cole painting from being sold.

Next Monday the newly formed Seward Legacy Preservation will hold its first meeting at the Auburn Public Theater in Auburn, New York. Among the group's members are descendants of William H. Seward, secretary of state for Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, whose home is now the Seward House Museum.

Reportedly valued in the millions of dollars, the Cole painting was removed earlier this year from the Seward House Museum where it resided for 170 years. In an effort to raise funds, the foundation that owns the painting intends to sell it and split the proceeds with the museum. A judge must first approve the sale.

The Seward Legacy Preservation is fighting to restore the painting to its former place in the Seward House.