The Adirondack History Museum’s 2019 Season focuses on Wild Times in the Adirondacks.

“Our featured exhibits encompass both the wilderness that makes the region unique and the wildness that characterized the Prohibition era,” said Museum Director Aurora McCaffrey.

2019 marks the centennial of the 18th Amendment’s ratification which not only began Prohibition but also ushered in a period of lawlessness across the country. The new exhibit, Bootleggers and the Law in the Adirondacks, explores how the region was part of major bootlegging routes between Canada and New York City. The popular Adirondack Suffragists exhibit expands to examine the Temperance Movement, which opposed the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

“Our focus is exploring how Prohibition impacted the Adirondacks, bringing a local perspective to this controversial time period,” McCaffrey added.

The Adirondack History Museum’s Rosenberg Gallery will feature the work of two outstanding Adirondack artists. One Earth ~ Two Perspectives: The Photography and Drawings of Manuel Palacios and Dan Keegan presents the stunning landscape photography of Palacios paired with Keegan’s striking graphite drawings of nature. An opening reception and gallery talk with the artists will take place on Friday, June 14.

In August, the Friends of Hurricane Mountain will partner with the museum to recognize the centennial of the iconic Hurricane Fire Tower. The celebration will include a mini-exhibit, a reception and special lecture, and a guided hike to the fire tower. Hurricane Mountain’s fire tower is one of only a few towers still standing in the High Peaks and is in the process of being restored.

In collaboration with North Country Public Radio, the museum will offer a mini-exhibit highlighting the work history of the region as part of the North Country at Work project. A collection day, an exhibit opening reception, and a story slam will be hosted by NCPR at the museum over the course of the season. 

The museum’s Thursday evening film/lecture series will begin on May 30, and run through September. The series includes Prohibition and the history of hiking along with other local stories.

The Adirondack History Museum seeks to serve as Essex County’s center for the stories that reveal the roots and values of its people. The museum opens for the season on May 25, and operates Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon-4 p.m.  Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $2 for students.

For more information, please contact the museum at (518) 873-6466, echs@adkhistorymuseum.org, or visit the Museum’s website at www.adkhistorymuseum.org.