Museum Day planned for Saturday

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June 5, 2008

Anonymous The Press Republican Thu Jun 05, 2008, 10:20 AM EDT

PLATTSBURGH — Several museums in the City of Plattsburgh are inviting the public to tour their exhibits on Saturday free of charge.

Museum Day will be held at the Battle of Plattsburgh, Champlain Valley Transportation, Kent-Delord House and Clinton County Historical Association museums from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., uniting four separate facilities that have connected the region’s rich and varied past.

“This is a wonderful cooperative effort among several of the area museums, both on and off the museum campus on the Old Base,” said Kristina Parker-Wingler, museum manager for the Battle of Plattsburgh Association.

“Each museum involved has special programming that they will be offering for Museum Day, rain or shine.”

The War of 1812 Museum, operated by the Battle of Plattsburgh Association, will feature guided tours throughout the day, along with a special presentation on the “Life of the 1812 Soldier” at 11:30 a.m. in the Press-Republican Theatre at the museum.

The Clinton County Historical Museum features exhibits on Redford Glass, Staffordshire Battle of Plattsburgh china, musical instruments and paintings of local interest.

The North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association also has an exhibit in the Clinton County museum, which focuses on the Champlain Valley line of the Underground Railroad.

“This event provides an opportunity for more people to visit CCHA since we aren’t normally open on weekends,” said Roger Harwood, president of the Historical Assocation’s Board of Directors.

“There’s more incentive to attend with all the museums open for free on the same day. People can see the new building and the newly installed exhibits.”

The Champlain Valley Transportation Museum is planning guided tours with docent Dick Soper and will also have the Customs and Border Protection Helicopter on site.

“What I’m looking forward to is the added publicity (from the free activities),” said Ralph Russano, director of the museum’s gift shop. “We need to get the word out on what we have to offer here.”

The Transportation Museum features two new automobiles, he added, a 1930s fully restored Forde Coupe and at 1943 Willy’s Jeep that has also been restored.

A variety of activities will be available at the museum’s Kids Station throughout the day.

All three museums are located within walking distance of one another on the Old Base, just south of U.S. Oval.

The Kent-Delord House, on Cumberland Avenue near downtown Plattsburgh, is also participating with special displays, including an exhibit from the Plattsburgh State Special Collections Library of glass-plate negatives taken in the early 20th century by D. L. Brush.

Museum officials are inviting the public to view the negatives to see if anyone can recognize any of the unidentified people in the images.

“One of the best things about this region is the rich history and many interesting and important personalities who have lived here,” said John Krueger, museum director. “What better way to be introduced or reacquainted with that history and those personalities than through Museum Day?”

The event will offer unique opportunities for local residents and tourists as well.

“With high fuel costs, people are looking for activities in their own back yard,” Parker-Wingler said.

“This (event) offers the public a chance to experience the wonderful history in our area at no cost.”

E-mail Jeff Meyers at:

jmeyers@pressrepublican.com