Adirondack Museum - Blue Mountain Lake, NY - Preserving the History of the Adirondacks

The Adirondack Museum is located in Blue Mountain Lake, NY. Blue Mountain Lake is a small hamlet of the Town of Indian Lake, which is in Hamilton County. It is named for the 1,200 acre lake that the town is near. In 1874, the Blue Mountain House was built by John G. Holland. In 1953, the House was purchased with the purpose of being the site of the Museum. The Museum first opened in 1957 under the direction of the Adirondack Historical Association.

The purpose of the Museum is to raise public awareness of the Adirondack environment. Part of this mission is to explore and maintain the relationship between humanity, urban development, and the natural Adirondack environment. In doing so, the history of the Adirondacks is preserved and remembered.

There are large number of items housed in the museum, including over 70,000 historic photographs, inland wooden boats, and over 2,000 pieces of fine art. There are ten permanent exhibits at the Museum including Bull Cottage, Work in the Woods, Boats & Boating in the Adirondacks, and Roads & Rails. The Work in the Woods exhibit presents displays and information regarding the lumber and timber industry. Visitors are informed of the tools, location, and culture of early logging industry. Information is also provided on the types of tree species that were logged. Visitors can examine what life was like in a logging camp and compare this with how the current industry operates.

Bull Cottage is a newer exhibit. It displays a variety of furniture made from both cedar and birch. Some of the furniture was created by Joseph Bryere (1859 - 1941) and some is from the Hiram Duryea Camp. Bryere was a woodworker and guide in the mountains. On display at the Museum are several of his pieces, including a clock.

Throughout the year, the Museum hosts a number of special events. In the wintertime and spring, the Museum holds the Cabin Fever Sunday programs. These special events are underwritten by the Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation. These programs are designed to improve the quality of life for residents of the area. Through the summer there are several picnics, fund raisers, and antiques gatherings. August 14 and 15 the Museum is having the Adirondack Museum Antiques Show and Sale. This event will include vintage boats, furnishings, art, and Native American items. Reservations are recommended.

The Museum is open May 28- October 18, 2010, from 10am - 5pm. The Museum is closed September 10. The admission rates are as follows: $18 for adults (13 years or older), $8 for children (6-12 years), $17 for military personnel with ID, students with ID, and senior citizens over 62 years. For those persons who are year-round residents, admission is free May, June, and October. ID with address is required. The Museum is handicapped accessible and wheelchairs, strollers, and hearing devices are available

upon request.

There are three picnic areas as well as individual picnic tables through the park. The Museum Store sells a variety of items including furniture, clothing, books and maps, household items, and food. The Store also operates online. For more information call 518-352-7311 x123.