CCHA

Clinton County Historical Association  
Plattsburgh, New York  

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Upcoming Programs & Events for 2013

Friday, June 7, 2013
Adirondack Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: Their History, Memories and Legacy
CCHA hosts a reunion of the Civilian Conservation Corps alumni, family, & friends to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the CCC. We invite community members and CCC alumni to share their stories and pictures of the CCC camps. Author and historian Marty Podskoch will give a short Power Point presentation on the history, lore & legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps camps in New York. Podskoch will also be signing his new book, Adirondack Civilian Conservation Corps Camps: Its History, Memories and Legacy of the CCC. The 352-page book contains over 500 pictures and illustrations, 185 interviews, 26 maps, and 25 charts.

At the Museum, 2 pm. Free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Funded in part by Clinton County.

Monday, July 1, 2013
Lighthouses of Lake Champlain
Join CCHA as local Valcour Island researcher and past president of CCHA, Roger Harwood gives a presentation on the history of the Lighthouses on Lake Champlain. Bluff Point Lighthouse is highlighted.
At the Museum, 7 pm.
Free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Funded in part by Clinton County.

Sunday, July 7, 2013
Bluff Point Lighthouse Open for Tours
Hours of operation at the Lighthouse are from 1-3 pm. Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.
Find a complete summer lighthouse schedule and more info at the CCHA's lighthouse page.

Sat-Sun, August 3-4, 2013
Civil War Encampment & Reenactment
Re-enactors will set up camp, re-enact battles and for two days relive this stirring period of American History. Presented by the Clinton County Historical Association and hosted by the 11th NY Battery Light Artillery and Alexandria Battery CSA, the Encampment will bring to life a tragic period of American history as lived by both soldiers and civilians during the Civil War.
Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.

Monday, August 5, 2013
Military History Lecture
Join CCHA for a lecture by local re-enactor and military history enthusiast, Mathew Hewson.
At the Museum, 7 pm, refreshments to follow.
Free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Funded in part by Clinton County.

Sunday, September 2, 2012
Bluff Point Lighthouse Open for Tours - LAST TOUR OF THE 2013 SEASON
The Lighthouse Committee will be opening the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island for the 2012 season.
Hours of operation are from 1-3 pm. Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.
Find a complete summer lighthouse schedule and more info at the CCHA's lighthouse page.

Saturday, November 2, 2013
Annual Meeting of the CCHA Membership
Every year CCHA invites our members to join us as we wrap up the year and review CCHA's progess and programs in 2013. Updates will be presented by CCHA's Board President, Helen Nerska and Director/Curator, Melissa A. Peck. There will be refreshments and a special presentation, TBA. Invitations will be sent to Members with more information.
At CCHA, time TBA

Previous Programs & Events (2012)

Saturday, March 31
Packbasket Workshop with Mick Jarvis of Adirondack Baskets and Heritage Designs
Weave a 17" or 21" tall basket of premium reed. For beginners as well as weaving "veterans."
All materials are included and all necessary tools are provided. Bring a snack or lunch for breaktime.
  Workshop cost: CCHA Members:
    $70.00 for 17" basket
    $85.00 for 21" basket
  Non-CCHA Members:
    $80.00 for 17" basket
    $100.00 for 21" basket
Registration with $20 nonrefundable deposit required. Call 518-561-0340 to register.
9am - 4pm at the Museum.

Saturday & Sunday, May 5-6, 2012
Civil War Encampment & Reenactment
Re-enactors will set up camp, re-enact battles and for two days relive this stirring period of American History.
Presented by the Clinton County Historical Association and hosted by the 11th NY Battery Light Artillery and Alexandria Battery CSA, the Encampment will bring to life a tragic period of American history as lived by both soldiers and civilians during the Civil War.
Camp will open to spectators Saturday at 9 am. The first battle will commence at 11 am, and the second at 3:30 pm. In addition, there will be activities for all ages, quilt and needlework exhibits, camp tours and cannon and rifle demonstrations using reproductions of time period weapons.
Sunday morning, camps will again open at 9 am and conclude with a battle at 1 pm. The camp will be closed to the public at 2 pm.
Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.

Monday, May 7, 2012
20th Century Camps of Valcour Island by Roger Harwood
At the Museum, 7 pm, refreshments to follow.
Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.

Monday, May 12, 2012
Tour of Chazy with Chazy Town Historian Bob Cheeseman
The tour, starting at 9am, will include the Miner Schoolhouse, Museum at Heart's Delight Farm, Riverview Cemetery with its Chapel and Mausoleum, Sacred Heart Cemetery and other very old cemeteries down by the lake.
Lunch is included and will be served at the Chazy Town Hall. $15 per person and $25 per couple ($12 and $20 respectively for CCHA members).
For reservations and/or more information call 561-0340.

Monday, May 21, 2012
20th Century Camps of Valcour Island by Roger Harwood
Explore the little known history of Valcour Island's 20th century community in this presentation featuring many seldom seen images of the island and its inhabitants.
At the Museum, 7 pm, refreshments to follow.
Free and open to the public.Seating is limited. Funded in part by Clinton County.

Saturday & Sunday, May 26-27, 2012
Clinton County Military Timeline
Held at Beekmantown Town Hall Recreation Park at Beekmantown Town Hall,571 Spellman Road, West Chazy, NY 12992
Visitors will be able to walk through displays of America's military personnel and equipment from the beginnings of U.S. history to today’s conflicts. Reenactors from many time periods will be on site to answer questions about their time period.
Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.

Sunday, May 27, 2012
Opening Day at Bluff Point Lighthouse
The Lighthouse Committee will be opening the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island for the 2012 season.
Hours of operation are from 1-3 pm. Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.
Find a complete summer lighthouse schedule and more info at the CCHA's lighthouse page.

Saturday, June 2 & 3, 2012
Museum Weekend
Open 10-4, No admission charge at CCHA and 22 other participating museums. Join us for self-guided tours of the Clinton County Historical Museum from 10am to 4 pm both days and don’t miss the new exhibit Cultural Crossroads & Conflicted Territory which highlights Native American artifacts and features hands-on elements for children.
Our galleries feature Redford Glass, musical instruments, artifacts from the Battle of Valcour and Battle of Plattsburgh, local photographs, prints and portraits, furniture, textiles, North Country related artwork, and exhibits on local connections to both the Cold War and the American Civil War.
For Museum Day kids will also enjoy “archaeology lab” sessions which begin at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 2:00 p.m. During the “archaeology lab” children may simulate a dig, discovering objects in a sand tray.
At the Clinton County Historical Museum and 22 other participating museums.

Sunday, July 1, 2012
Bluff Point Lighthouse Open for tours
The Lighthouse Committee will be opening the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island for the 2012 season.
Hours of operation are from 1-3 pm. Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.
Find a complete summer lighthouse schedule and more info at the CCHA's lighthouse page.

Sunday, July 8, 2012
Bluff Point Lighthouse Open for tours
The Lighthouse Committee will be opening the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island for the 2012 season.
Hours of operation are from 1-3 pm. Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.
Find a complete summer lighthouse schedule and more info at the CCHA's lighthouse page.

Monday, July 9, 2012
The Civil War through Quilts by Vicki Evans
At the Museum, 7 PM, refreshments to follow.
Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton COunty.

Monday, June 4, 2012
Elizabeth Fisk Looms: The Story of a Weaver by Marty Dale
At the museum, 7 pm, refreshments follow.
Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton COunty.

Tue-Fri, July 10-13, 2012
Civil War Youth Camp - 1st Session
The CCHA 4 day Civil War Camp immerses youth, 9-14 years old, in the history and daily life of the Civil War. Camp focuses on the history of local units and the daily life activities of the average Union soldier from the "North Country."
Registration for camp is filled to capacity. We're sorry but no more registrations can be accepted.
Funded in part by Clinton County.

Sunday, July 15, 2012
Bluff Point Lighthouse Open for tours
The Lighthouse Committee will be opening the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island for the 2012 season.
Hours of operation are from 1-3 pm. Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.
Find a complete summer lighthouse schedule and more info at the CCHA's lighthouse page.

Tue-Fri, July 17-20, 2012
Civil War Youth Camp - 2nd Session
The CCHA 4 day Civil War Camp immerses youth, 9-14 years old, in the history and daily life of the Civil War. Camp focuses on the history of local units and the daily life activities of the average Union soldier from the "North Country."
Registration for camp is filled to capacity. We're sorry but no more registrations can be accepted.
Funded in part by Clinton County.

Sunday, July 22, 2012
Bluff Point Lighthouse Open for tours
The Lighthouse Committee will be opening the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island for the 2012 season.
Hours of operation are from 1-3 pm. Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.
Find a complete summer lighthouse schedule and more info at the CCHA's lighthouse page.

Sunday, July 29, 2012
Bluff Point Lighthouse Open for tours
The Lighthouse Committee will be opening the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island for the 2012 season.
Hours of operation are from 1-3 pm. Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.
Find a complete summer lighthouse schedule and more info at the CCHA's lighthouse page.

Sunday, August 5, 2012
Bluff Point Lighthouse Open for tours
The Lighthouse Committee will be opening the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island for the 2012 season.
Hours of operation are from 1-3 pm. Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.
Find a complete summer lighthouse schedule and more info at the CCHA's lighthouse page.

Monday, August 6, 2012
Battle of Plattsburgh Centenary and the Progressive Era by Matt Hewson
At the Museum, 7 PM, refreshments to follow.
Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton COunty.

Sunday, August 12, 2012
Bluff Point Lighthouse Open for tours
The Lighthouse Committee will be opening the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island for the 2012 season.
Hours of operation are from 1-3 pm. Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.
Find a complete summer lighthouse schedule and more info at the CCHA's lighthouse page.

Saturday,August 18, 2012
Civil War Day - Co-sponsored by Northern New York American Canadian Genealogical Society
Research opportunities, speakers on local Civil War topics, children's activities, book sale, music and more. Find out about your local Civil War ancestors and enjoy free admission to the museum.
At CCHA, 10 am - 4 pm.

Sunday, August 19, 2012
Bluff Point Lighthouse Open for tours
The Lighthouse Committee will be opening the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island for the 2012 season.
Hours of operation are from 1-3 pm. Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.
Find a complete summer lighthouse schedule and more info at the CCHA's lighthouse page.

Sunday, August 26, 2012
Bluff Point Lighthouse Open for tours
The Lighthouse Committee will be opening the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island for the 2012 season.
Hours of operation are from 1-3 pm. Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.
Find a complete summer lighthouse schedule and more info at the CCHA's lighthouse page.

Sunday, September 2, 2012
Bluff Point Lighthouse Open for tours
The Lighthouse Committee will be opening the Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island for the 2012 season.
Hours of operation are from 1-3 pm. Free and open to the public. Funded in part by Clinton County.
Find a complete summer lighthouse schedule and more info at the CCHA's lighthouse page.

Monday, October 1, 2012
Maple: A Sweet History by Kristina Parker-Wingler and Josh Wingler
Free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Refreshments follow. Funded in part by Clinton County.
At the Museum, 7 pm

Thursday, October 18, 2012
History of Plattsburgh Told Through Vintage Images
CCHA is happy to host a presentation and book signing by local author and historian, Kelly Julian. The presentation will not only cover the main topics in her new book but will also highlight her research experience at CCHA. Over sixty percent of the images in Julian’s book are a part of a large donation of glass plate negatives from the late Geroge Brewer, collector and Clinton County native. Many of the images in the Brewer Collection and those included in the book, are over 100 years old. Roger Black, a volunteer at CCHA, worked with Julian in her quest for photos and as part of a larger project, has been working on digitizing this collection for public use. Julian’s book has proved to be a wonderful example of the treasures within CCHA’s Brewer Collection. Copies of the book will be available at a special price for this one night only at CCHA.
At the museum, 7 pm

October 26-October 27, 2012
Halloween Weekend at CCHA
Join the Clinton County Historical Association at 98 Ohio Avenue, Plattsburgh, NY as we celebrate Halloween at the Museum. On Friday, October 26 at 7:00PM CCHA will be hosting a Hometown Cable Movie Night featuring Gordie Little’s Ghosts of Clinton County. The video showing will be held in the Museum’s North Gallery. Snacks of donuts and cider will be available courtesy of Rulfs Orchards. On Saturday, October 27 from 1-3PM there will be a Children’s Pumpkin Painting Program, courtesy of Everett Orchards. Costumes are welcome! Both events are free and open to the public, seating and supplies are limited. We look forward to seeing you! This program is funded in part by Clinton County.

November 3, 2012
Annual Meeting of the CCHA Membership
Program presentation by Roger Black highlighting the CCHA Glass Plate Negative Collection images of sites and scenes throughout Clinton County.
Invitations will be sent to Members with more information.

Saturday, December 1, 2012
Museum Campus Holiday Shopping Day at Champlain Centre Mall
At Champlain Center Mall, 10-6 pm. CCHA will be joined by BOPA and CVTM with a display of local history materials for sale from our gift shops. Many local history books from CCHA's gift shop will be marked down in price! The sale will be for one day only!
Funded in part by Clinton County.

Monday, December 3, 2012
Introduction of North Country Community Archeology Network by Dr. Chris Wolff
At the Museum, 7 pm. Presentation is on the creation of a collaborative research network between professional archaeologists and "citizen scientists" in an attempt to understand the past of the North Country. It will discuss ongoing research in the North Country and directions for future collaborative archaeological projects that involve community members in the North Country.
Free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Refreshments follow. Funded in part by Clinton County.

Saturday, December 8, 2012
Peru's Busy Past Exhibit Opening
Join the Clinton County Historical Association and the Town of Peru Historians as we open our new exhibit Peru's Busy Past. Guest Curators, Ron and Carol Allen, Town of Peru Co-Historians, have been working with Julie Dowd, CCHA Board Member, to create an exhibit that will highlight the history of Peru, NY. Topics covered include the lumber industry, churches, schools, first settlers and much more. 12-3pm at CCHA. Refreshments will be served.
Free and open to the public. Supplies are limited. Funded in part by Clinton County.

Monday, February 4, 2013
African Americans and the War of 1812 by Don Papson
At the Museum, 7 pm.
Free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Funded in part by Clinton County.

Saturday, February 16, 2013
Hot Chocolate with Your Babydoll
CCHA would like to invite 10 girls and their babydolls, to join us for a small gathering from 1-3 on February 16. Girls must be accompanied by a parent or family friend. Our visitors will receive a tour of the museum, a chance to see some of the dolls and clothing in our collection and talk about their own dolls. Each girl will be given the opportunity to dress up from our dress-up collection and have their pictures taken. Later, necklaces can be made for themselves or their dolls. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served as refreshments. The fee for the activity is $5 per person, paid in advance, if possible. Due to limited space, we can only take the first 10 girls and their accompanying grown-up. Feel free to wear your own historical costume.
For more information or to reserve a space, contact our director, Melissa Peck, at 518-561-0340, Wednesday - Saturday 10-3, or at director@clintoncountyhistorical.org

Monday, March 4, 2013
Women Making a Difference During the Civil War by Vickie Evans
At the Museum 7 pm.
Free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Funded in part by Clinton County.

Saturday, March 23, 2013
Gathering Basket Workshop with Mick Jarvis of Adirondack Baskets and Heritage Designs
Weave your own gathering basket, just in time for the Easter holiday!For beginners as well as weaving "veterans."
All materials are included and all necessary tools are provided. Bring a snack or lunch for breaktime.
  Workshop cost: CCHA Members:
    $38.00 for a small basket
    $40.00 for a medium basket
  Non-CCHA Members:
    $45.00 for a large basket
Registration with $20 nonrefundable deposit required. Call 518-561-0340 to register.
9am - 1pm at the Museum.

April 1, 2013
Early Images of Plattsburgh, NY
Join the Clinton County Historical Association for a lecture and presentation by CCHA Volunteer, Roger Black. Roger’s presentation will explore his journey in researching and identifying photos in the Clinton County Historical Association’s glass plate negative collections. The audience will be privy to a rare showing of photos that capture the daily life within the streets and parks of Plattsburgh, New York during the early 20th century. Street scenes include photos of Clinton Street, Margaret Street, Oak Street, and City Hall Place. Other Photos document major fires in Plattsburgh and also, the 1930 Stone Arch Bridge Opening Ceremony, a monumental event in Plattsburgh’s history.
At the Museum, 7 pm.
Free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Funded in part by Clinton County.

Saturday, May 4, 2013
West Chazy Cemetery Tour with Bob Cheeseman, Town of Chazy Historian
The tour will start at 9 am at the Chazy Town Hall and is expected to end around 4 pm. Tour sites will include the Rural, Ingraham and Slosson cemeteries in West Chazy and the St. Louis, Dragoon and Sciota cemeteries, in Sciota. Lunch is included and will be served at Guma's. $15 per person and $25 per couple ($12 and $20 respectively for CCHA members). Reservations are encouraged.
For reservations and/or more information call 561-0340.

Saturday, June 1, 2013
The Civil War in Northern New York
New York State Historian Robert Weible will speak on the Civil War in northern New York, including the role of abolitionists. Mr. Weible will also highlight the NYS Museum Civil War Exhibit, which features the crucial abolitionist role leading up to the Civil War, in the North Country and elsewhere. 7:00 pm, Adirondack Architectural Heritage, 1745 Main St., Keeseville. Co-sponsored by the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association, the Essex County Historical Society, and the Clinton Country Historical Association. Free and open to the public. Call 518-834-5180 for more information.

Saturday & Sunday, June 1 & 2, 2013
Museum Days
The Clinton County Historical Association and Museum offers two fun filled days of activities for Museum visitors during Clinton County's annual Museum Days Weekend.

Saturday, June 1st from 10-4 pm features CCHA’s Civil War Day:

CIVIL WAR RESEARCHERS: Robert St. John and Vickie Evans will be on site to answer your questions and to record information on your Civil War ancestors.

RAFFLE: Raffle tickets will be available to purchase, $1.00 ticket or $5.00 for a book of 6.

Prizes include a Civil War Quilt made by local quilter, Vickie Evans, Gioiosa’s Basket of Cheer, Cabot Cheese Gift Pack, 150th Civil War Commemoration Original Newspaper, CCHA’s Book “Clinton County Civil War Soldiers, Lighthouse Tote and Books, Jeesum Crow Gift Basket and Parkers Maple Syrup.

STAMP CANCELLATION: Commemorating the Battle of Gettysburg, specially designed stamp cancellation will be sold for $2.00 each.

CIVIL WAR ERA TOOLS: Local Collector, Larry Bosley and Town of Chazy Historian, Bob Cheeseman will be displaying and demonstrating a collection of Civil War era tools.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES: Join in a game of croquet or rounders, outside from 10-1 pm.

Sunday, June 2nd

Enjoy self-guided tours of the museum. Everyday features include:

EXHIBITIONS: The museum features 3 floors of exhibit space with 8 galleries and display areas. Our newest exhibit is Peru’s Busy Past, co-curated by the Town of Peru Historians, Ron and Carol Allen. The Museum also features exhibits on the Civil War, Famous Clinton County Pioneers’, Fashions, Musical Instruments, Artwork, Valcour Light House, Tourism and much more.

RESEARCH LIBRARY: Schedule an appointment to research that one topic you been interested in for years. Our library and subject files feature over 1,000 easy to access, books, documents and photographs.

BOOKSTORE: Our bookstore features more than 300 local history books.

COLLECTION ACQUISITIONS: Ask our staff about our acquisitions procedures. Our permanent collection includes over 10,000 textiles, documents, photographs, paintings, advertisements, scrapbooks, glassware, antiques and other Clinton County memorabilia. If you have a piece of Clinton County history that you would like preserved for future generations, our Director and Staff are trained in archival and preservation methods.

Other Special Guests: Town of Peru Historians will be at CCHA both days to accompany our newest exhibit Peru’s Busy Past and will be available to answer your questions about the history of Peru.

At the Clinton County Historical Museum and 22 other participating museums.

Monday, June 3, 2013
Archaeological Investigations at the Coop's Pork N' Fish Site in Coopersville, NY
Join CCHA as Archaeologist Dr. Andrew Black reveals his findings from an excavation site in Coopersville, NY. His findings give us a glimpse into life in an early settlement in Clinton County. Research and recovered artifacts indicate the site was once an early farmstead dating to the late 1790s or very early 1800s.
At the Museum, 7 pm.
Free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Funded in part by Clinton County.