Adirondack History Museum to reopen May 23

ELIZABETHTOWN | Did you hear? The Adirondack History Museum (AHM) is opening for the season on May 23. From Memorial Day Weekend to Columbus Day Weekend, the AHM, with help from the Essex County Historical Society (ECHS), will be hosting a variety of new exhibits, film screenings, lecture series, and community events. In light of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the museum will present "America's Revolution - Liberty and Land," which will highlight the region's role in major battles along the Lake Champlain corridor, focusing on the people behind the battles and the causes of the war. In celebration of another big milestone, the 100th anniversary of the first 46ers, the exhibit "Centennial of the First 46ers" will share the journey of Herb Clark, George Marshall, and Robert (Bob) Marshall. Although the anniversary was technically last year, AHM felt it was important to bring back the temporary exhibit for another year and share the journey of these three men and their accomplishments. "When it came out last year, it was so popular," said AHM Director Aurora McCaffrey. "We got a lot of new people in to see it, and we hope to do the same again this year." Also new to this year, AHM will present "Seneca Ray Stoddard: Documenting the Adirondacks in the 1880s" in the Rosenberg Gallery. This exhibition, curated by ECHS Trustees Ed Wheeler and Frissie Reed, will feature Stoddard's incredible and historic photography in Essex County and the Adirondacks. "The creative genius of Seneca Ray Stoddard is beyond the scope of most mortals, so was his energy, inventiveness, and innovation that created a uniquely influential body of work," as stated on the museum's website. "His images of hotels, canoeists, hunters, and camping life in the mountains attracted thousands of people here in the late 19th century." An exhibition celebration is currently scheduled for July 10 from 5 to 7 p.m., one of several events the museum plans to host this season. The first event will be a film screening of "The War That Made America: The Story of the French and Indian War" on June 25. Other film screenings include "Liberty! The American Revolution" (Parts 3 & 4) on July 9, "Seneca Ray Stoddard: An American Original" on July 16, "The Fog of War" on Aug. 6, "The Desk Set" on Aug. 13, and "Harvest of Shame" on Sept. 3. Throughout the season, there will be several lectures, too, including "The Champlain Valley in 1776" with Don Wickman on July 2, "My Great-Great-Uncle: Seneca Ray Stoddard" by Dan Way on July 23, "Iron Will: How Adirondack Ore Helped Win the Revolution" by Peter Nelson on July 30, "Benedict Arnold, American Enigma" by Tom Mandeville on Aug. 20, "A War Against Vegetables, A War Against Women: Haudenosaunee Women's Experiences of the Revolution" by Maeve Kane on Aug. 27. Besides the film screenings and lectures, which will each take place at 7 p.m., the AHM plans to host a variety of other events, as well, including the Thai Festival on July 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Classic Car Show on Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Colonial Garden Party with guest speaker Bill McKibben on Aug. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m., People & Peaks on Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Historic Ironville Tour on Sept. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. "Even though we live in a very politically contentious time, we have not had any kind of political uproar or attempted interference or objections to exhibits that we present and programs we put on. Obviously, some people are happier with some parts of our world than with others, but I think people understand the value of looking at history and debating its parts. That's why our offerings are so popular," said AHM/ECHS President Peter Slocum. "People come, and not only do they watch or film or listen to a talk, but they also get to debate the issue afterward, which I think is a super healthy thing. That tradition of open debate and discussion is something we want to continue." For more information or updates, visit adkhistorymuseum.org.

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Adirondack History Museum to reopen May 23

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