Something is taking place tomorrow that no one should miss. It is a chance to learn, have fun and get to know the area better — all at no cost.
The fourth-annual Press-Republican Museum Day takes place Saturday, and about 20 museums, wineries and galleries are participating. They have all agreed, as participants, to stay open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, with no admission charge.
Museum Day was created by Publisher Bob Parks, who had always been interested in seeing local museums work together on special projects. He figured that many people who live right here in the North Country might not be familiar with what was offered at local museums. If they did see the wonderful cultural gems here, he thought, they would likely spread the word to friends and relatives, further increasing attendance at local museums.
So Parks made an effort, four years ago, to get some of the museums to agree to a free-admission day. That first year, about four or five museums decided to participate. The event has grown tremendously since then.
Museums have seen the benefits of this special day. Amanda Palmer from the Alice T. Miner Colonial Museum made mention of it recently at an author's talk, noting that last year 90 people visited the Chazy facility on Museum Day, which she said was far more than the usual number.
And while the museums may lose those admission fees for one day, they gain the potential for new fans, who will return or bring friends or make recommendations. The sites with gift shops also have a chance to make some volume sales on Museum Day.
Participants this year are:
▶ In Chazy, Alice T. Miner Museum, the William H. Miner Institute Heart's Delight Farm Heritage Exhibit and Amazing Grace Vineyard and Winery.
▶ In Chesterfield, the North Star Underground Railroad Museum.
▶ In Keeseville, Northern New York American-Canadian Genealogical Society.
▶ In Lyon Mountain, the Friends of Lyon Mountain Mining and Railroad Museum.
▶ In Mooers, Stonehouse Vineyard.
▶ In Morrisonville, Hid-in-Pines Vineyard.
▶ In Peru, Babbie Rural & Farm Learning Museum.
▶ In Plattsburgh, The Arts Center, Strand Theatre, Battle of Plattsburgh Association Museum, Clinton County Historical Museum, Clinton County Children's Mural on the Government Center, Champlain Valley Transportation Museum and Kids Station, Kent-Delord House Museum, Plattsburgh Public Library, Plattsburgh State Art Museum and Elf's Farm Winery & Cider Mill.
▶ In West Chazy, Vesco Ridge Vineyard.
Most of the museums try to plan special activities for this day, often something to entertain children. Tomorrow, a small charge is planned for a ride on U.S. Oval in the Champlain Valley Transportation Museum's 1915 model Lozier, and some of the wineries may charge for tastings, but otherwise everything is free.
Another worthy outgrowth of Museum Day is the Adirondack Coast Cultural Alliance, which Parks and John Bernardi promoted as a way to carry on the cooperative spirit throughout the year. The alliance, coordinated by Tricia Davies, plans other special joint events.
We are proud of Museum Day, and we know if you give it a try it will make you proud of the interesting and entertaining cultural offerings in your communities.
