Newsletter:

Fulton County Museum News
Summer 2010

As the tourist season winds down, we are happy to report our visitor numbers are up substantially this season. There are many people to thank for this successful season.

First, we are so grateful for all the years of volunteer work done at the museum by
by the late Board of Trustee member Victor Brumaghim.

The Fonda, Johnstown and Gloversville model railroad donated by former Gloversville resident, Eber Davis, and erected by volunteers Mark Pollack and Ronald Custer has been a very popular exhibit. A special donation box has been placed by the exhibit and visitors have been generous with donations to finish landscaping the entire route of the railroad. On July 7, Mr. Davis and his family were honored at the museum for his gift to the Fulton County Historical Society. 

The feature exhibit for this season “Yesterday’s Health Care” has been well attended. Much of this exhibit was done by volunteers, Marie and Hank Born.

Joan Fudger and Joan Loveday set up the textile exhibit to include the quilts and coverlets donated to the museum by the late Gene E. Valk. They have also updated the Victorian exhibit.

Our only employee of 4 years, Donna Terronova, keeps the museum running smoothly. Long time volunteers, Marion Viglione and George Streeter, have been available every week throughout the season to give tours and assist with the many tasks of museum work.  Other volunteers who have been available for tours and museum work are Mark Pollack, Vince Chadwick, Matt Hallenbeck, David Miller and our recent junior volunteer, 8 year old, Jake Wesley.

The following volunteers have been available for school and group tours. Mark Pollack, Ron Custer, Joan Fudger, Joan Loveday. Bradley Shane, Marie Born, Dick Ottalagano and David Miller.

New this year, Gloversville Business Teacher and Mentor Advisor, Tammy McCue, has been working with her students Allison Stegeland, Chelsea Baldwin, Mike McClauflin, Kara Rode, Samantha  Dingman, Carley Sudges, Angela Cruz, Dominique Capano, Sara Dye and Jenna Berenger this summer in the museum library and on projects to increase school age visitors to the museum and educate them on local history. These students have given up part of there summer to help at the museum.

Here, we also must mention Frank Demaio, who manages our web-site.

When you drive by the museum and see the well cared for grounds, we can thank Bill Manzer for his work.

We also have to thank all of our members for their memberships, donations and help with the fundraisers that support the Fulton County Museum and the work that is being done to preserve our history and improve our county . 

When the 2011 season comes around, we will again need volunteers to assist at the museum to have another successful year. Would you like to volunteer? Please call Donna at 725-2203. 

The Fulton County Museum opened for the season on May 5^th. Museum hours are as follows: May, June, September and October, Tuesday through Saturday 12 noon to 4 pm. Summer hours for July and August are Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 4 pm. There is no charge to visit the museum, but donations are always greatly appreciated.

Exhibits:

The Fonda, Johnstown and Gloversville (FJ&G) Model Railroad

Quilts Exhibit

            

Children’s Exhibit

                

Military Exhibit

Fire Department Exhibit

Firefighter Mark Pollack, has set up the 100+ year old call system that was used by the Gloversville Fire Department until 1979. If you are lucky, you may even meet Firefighter Pollock at the museum.

 

 

Leather Tanning Exhibit

After being closed for five years the history on the Fulton County leather tanning industry can be seen once again. There are early photos of the Adirondack hemlock bark tanning history and a map to show the location of the ones in Fulton County. One can see the old equipment and methods that were used in tanning and look inside a working tannery. This exhibit compliments the replica of the well known glove shop exhibit at the museum.

Replica of a Small Glove Shop

Fonda, Johnstown, & Gloversville Railroad Display

Native American Indian Exhibit & Iroquouis Longhouse

Display of Sacandaga Valley & Old Sacandaga Park (now Great Sacandaga Lake)

Large Collection of Local Photographs

Display Exhibit with Area Loom

Early School Room

Farm Exhibit from Local Farms

Victorian Display