Research: Rensselaer County Historical Society

Rensselaer County Historical Society, Troy, New York. June 20, 2012

I spent several days researching Wiawaka at the Rensselaer County Historical Society in Troy, New York. They have a great library and archives, including an extensive Wiawaka Holiday House archive. The Wiawaka archives includes annual reports, receipts and bills, financial statements, guest registers, advertising pieces, and newspaper clippings, to name just a few. Bonus: it's air conditioned.

Just up the street from the RCHS is St. John's Episcopal Church. Founded in 1830, Wiawaka founder Mary Wiltse Fuller was a member of this church. The short history of the church on their website tells of the active involvement of other members, including women, in other areas of reform.

St. John's Episcopal Church, Troy, New York. June 20, 2012

Research: Adirondack Museum

Entrance to the Adirondack Museum, June 18, 2012.

I am doing some archival research at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, New York. It is a gorgeous museum, much larger than I imagined with a variety of buildings and exhibits spanning the various experiences and histories of the Adirondack Mountains. A full day isn't enough to do the whole museum (or the spectacular views from the grounds) justice.

Also at the Adirondack Museum is an impressive library and archives documenting the history of the Adirondacks. It is tucked away, and you need to make an appointment to do research, but your visit will be rewarded with a collection of maps, books, manuscripts, and photographs. What am I looking at? Their trove of Seneca Ray Stoddard images of the Crosbyside Hotel, various histories of the Lake George area, clippings files and historic maps that include Wiawaka/the Crosbyside.