Schroon-North Hudson Historical Society prepares for milestone anniversary

SCHROON | Next year, the Schroon-North Hudson Historical Society (SNHHS) will celebrate 50 years of preserving the rich local history of the area for children of tomorrow. Granted its charter in 1976, SNHHS and its varied programming and exhibits have attracted many people, residents and seasonal visitors alike, to their museum. "I think being a small community, it is pretty remarkable and significant that for 50 years a group of volunteers- nobody has ever been paid- that this organization has been able to successfully continue to operate, even through the challenges of technology, a world-wide pandemic," reflected Tammy Brown, SNHHS President. "We couldn't have done it without the support of the community." Planning for the celebration is in the early stages, and while board members decide upon the route they want to take to properly commemorate their five decade milestone, the society is eyeing the upcoming 2025 busy season to fundraise and once and for all get the society up and running at full steam following a period of difficult years post-COVID. "We have an amazing collection of books, memorabilia, we have kind of outgrown our space, one of ours goals do this year as part of the anniversary is planning out events of next summer but also I have been pushing for a five-year plan committee of what we want to accomplish in the next five years," Brown said. " Do we need another addition in the back of the building? We have so much stuff, do we take the annex and make it more of a part of the building? How do we continue to grow? I am hoping now that we will slowly start to get new volunteers and new blood that will take it for the next 50 years." The focus, first and foremost,t is restoration to the two-story cottage the society calls home. Located at 1144 State Rt. 9 in Schroon Lake, the SNNHS museum has a main floor with many exhibits that tell the stories of the Schroon region. Built by Charles Knox circa 1867 after he returned home from the Civil War (he survived Andersonville Prison as a captive), the structure has provided a homebase for the society, and earned its place as a local mecca for community members. Historically accurate exhibits tell the history of the area, with at least two new exhibits each calendar year. The museum also offers adult and children's programs, genealogical or research assistance, and free public historical lectures in the warmer months. However, after 160 years, the building is in need of some TLC, with restoration efforts estimated to cost $18,000 needed. "In preparation for next year's 50th Anniversary celebration, we would like to have the following projects completed this summer," Brown explained. "Replacement of the current wooden sidewalk with a safer walkway, installation of a roof over the handicapped deck for protection from snow and rain, and scraping, repairing, and painting the exterior of the entire building." Last year's annual Victorian Tea successfully raised $800 toward the building fund, and Brown is hopeful the tea in 2025 will also aid in restoration funding. This year, the highly anticipated event will be held Thursday, Aug. 21 at a remodeled historical boat house owned by a generous couple. "It is absolutely beautiful," Brown remarked. This year's traditional Ice Cream Social will take place Saturday, June 28. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., everyone in the community is cordially invited to stop in and enjoy a cool treat at the museum. "Duke Connor, an amazing artist, has painted four beautiful oil paintings that will be for sale on the porch during the social," Brown previewed. "Proceeds from those sales will go towards the building fund." On Aug. 7 at the Boathouse Theatre at 7 p.m., Linda Marshall, author of BOB MARSHALL: DEFENDER OF THE WILDERNESS (South Dakota Historical Society Press, 2023), will be presenting a talk on her book's subject, Bob Marshall. Marshall was an American forester, writer and wilderness activist who visited the Adirondack Mountains frequently during his youth, ultimately becoming one of the first Adirondack Forty-Sixers. Heading into next year, SNHHS could use help increasing the ranks of the backbone of the organization, its volunteer roster. "A lot of people are aging out, unfortunately," revealed Laura Dewey, SNHHS volunteer. "We have attrition by COVID, we had attrition from old age and infirmity, and nobody has been coming in to replace these valuable people." What would volunteering for SNHHS look like in practical application? Surprisingly, not that much of a commitment. Museum docents are at the museum for four hours a day during the summer (the season is only two months long). People can volunteer every day of the week, or as little as one day a month. They can volunteer for a specific event if that's all the time they are able to give (the Ice Cream Social gets busy and there is a call out for scoopers). Building and grounds crew volunteers are needed, as are people who enjoy genealogy and ancestry and research, for there is always a good mystery to solve. There is something for every volunteer and every interest in the society. "Volunteers can pick where their skill set is," Dewey assured. "Let's say someone was a window dresser or did displays in a store, we could use you. Teachers with skills are always good (the society is looking to amp up their school programming). We need people with green thumbs for outside. Whatever your talent is, there is a place for you in the society." Brown added that people shouldn't underestimate their value when it comes to local history. "This is your history, this is your town, and your parents' and grandparents' town," she reminded. "This is the place you know, there are things you remember and stories you have to tell." And as the years roll on and the area loses its elders, people are necessary to continue learning, seeking, and gleaning knowledge from its most valued society members. "If you love history and you want to preserve it for your community, you could interview older residents," Dewey said. "We lost a couple of real special people this year and the more history we can capture from the older residents while they are still here, the better." Dewey, who volunteers at the society alongside her husband Wayne, also couldn't say enough about how their involvement as a couple has enriched their lives- as well as their relationship- since moving to the area. "Getting involved is a great way to meet people," she emphasized. On Thursday, June 12, SNHHS will hold an informational meeting at the museum at noon (bring a brown bag lunch, the society will provide dessert). Those interested in joining the Schroon-North Hudson Historical Society are encouraged to email Brown at mamatstampin@gmail.com. For more information on the society, please visit their Facebook page and schroonnorthhudsonhs.org. Monetary donations (tax-deductible) may be mailed to Schroon-North Hudson Historical Society, PO Box 444, Schroon Lake, NY 12870. Please make checks payable to Schroon-North Hudson Historical Society If you are interested in volunteering and bringing the society into the next 50 years, please call volunteer coordinator Brenda Borquist at 518-532-0514. "I'm proud of SNHHS and I love the people I work with," Brown said. "We laugh, we cry, we hug each other. It is an amazing organization with amazing volunteers. I have been with them since 2017, and I have never once had a bad experience. I think it's amazing how we have survived five decades of change."

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Schroon-North Hudson Historical Society prepares for milestone anniversary

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