Museums in the North Country
Here in the North Country, it might seem we are in the middle of nowhere but it’s not necessarily true. There are institutions and organizations all around; the community up here is thriving, especially in the arts. One local attraction you can take advantage of is the museums and historical sites. While it may be hard to go see some of these museums at the moment, you can still learn about what they offer and visit them in the future. Going to museums can be fun with the right attitude! Plus, you can go to the museums during the day and still party at night!
Right here in good old Canton, we have an array of historical and artistic venues. On our campus, we have The Richard F Brush Art Gallery located in our very own Griffiths Hall. The Gallery is an academic resource for the university, incorporating works of art for a variety of audiences. At the moment the Gallery is closed but keep your eye out for new exhibits. Currently, there is a “BLM + SLU: Moving Forward” online exhibition going on until December, you can submit work if you’re interested.
In downtown Canton, you can find the St. Lawrence County Historical Association, a non-profit membership organization, and a museum. These institutions Serve and educate St. Lawrence County citizens and others interested in the county’s history. I’ve been there to do some community work volunteering with my roommate. If you like old houses, textile tools, lots of spinning wheels, learning about Ruston canoes, or want to check out some local archives, then it’s the place for you! I’ve heard that They also host a Christmas celebration/dance, which is fitting for a small town; however, they probably will not be hosting it this year.
Also, in Canton, just down the street, is TAUNY (Traditional Arts in Upstate New York). TAUNY provides an outlet for North Country artists, you can go there to purchase folklore products. They offer concerts, demonstrations, and workshops led by talented artists and craftsmen. In addition to all of this, they have 3 to 4 different exhibits each year on folklore topics. Currently, the exhibit on display is on St. Lawrence County Barn Quilts. They have also reopened following their temporary closure due to the pandemic. Go and check out the quilts, art, projects, and stories associated with the quilt movement in St. Lawrence County; Monday through Friday 10 am-5 pm. I have also been to TAUNY multiple times and it was very intriguing. If you are looking for great Christmas presents for your mom or want to enjoy some cookies and listen to some fiddles at their events, TAUNY will deliver.
Just down the street in Potsdam, you can harness your inner child at the North Country Children’s Museum. Potsdam also has its public museum if you are interested in everything Potsdam.
Heading North to Ogdensburg, NY we have the Frederic Remington Art Museum, the only museum dedicated to the artist Frederic Remington. The museum hosts his works along with some personal items. A little background on Remington: he was born in Canton, NY in 1861 and specialized in depictions of America’s Old West. Some other cool places to check out in Ogdensburg, which are museum related, are the Ogdensburg Lighthouse on the St. Lawrence River. Take in the view of the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge or go to the Eel Weir State Park for a picnic!
If we head down the river, we will hit Alexandra Bay, NY, and the Thousand Islands. Here you can stop by at the Boldt Yacht House and Boldt Castle. Plan your future wedding or check out some antique wooden boats at the Yacht House! A little further down the river is the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY where you will find the longest-running boat show. ABM’s collections hold over 320 unique boats and thousands of related artifacts and archives. You can also take tours and trips on the St. Lawrence River. The museum store is also open online; they are selling stickers, hats, and apparel.
This semester we have been confined to St. Lawrence County but the county has a lot to offer not only outdoors but indoors as well. Go explore!