The Beat

Auburn, NY (June 26, 2020) - While Central New York entered Phase 4 of the state's reopening plan today, the Schweinfurth Art Center will be reopening in early August. The art center is currently finishing installation of a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

The art center originally shut down in mid January for the construction, with plans to re-open in April. But the state-mandated shutdown due to COVID-19 placed the work on pause for two months until it restarted in May. Work is nearly complete and, once it is, the art center staff will begin cleaning and setting up the gallery and offices, preparing the facility to meet state guidelines, and installing our next exhibition, "Made in NY."…

With new safety measures in place, Mirror Lake Inn welcomes guests and staff after three-month closure

Lake Placid, N.Y. – Cleanliness and friendliness, the hallmarks of the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid for over 40 years, are back on display once again as the iconic lodging property welcomed guests for full-time service on June 26. The Inn had soft openings over the weekends of June 12-14 and June 19-21.

Many DEC State-Managed Lands Now Open to Overnight Camping

Campers Encouraged to Follow Guidelines to Help Prevent Spread of COVID-19 While Enjoying Beauty of Adirondacks and Catskills 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that additional DEC campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill parks will open on July 1 to existing reservation holders for the 2020 season. To maintain social distancing and reduce the density of facilities and protect visitors, DEC is not accepting additional reservations or walk-in camping for the 2020 season at this time. Only existing reservations for all DEC campgrounds will be honored. Please visit DEC’s website for the latest updates on DEC campgrounds and information about each facility.

Syracuse, NY (June 26, 2020) - The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) is gradually reopening to the public as part of NYS Phase 4.

The MOST will be open every weekday for summer day-camps beginning Monday, June 29, and running until Friday, August 21 with pre-registration. More information here: https://www.most.org/learn/camps/.

Our projected reopen date is August 1, 2020, for weekends only but is subject to change with the start of NYS Phase 4 reopen. The MOST will continue to evaluate and consult our reopening with city and county officials to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff and relay this information via email, website, and social media.

Program Developed by the Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, in Partnership with Adirondack Diversity Initiative and Adirondack North Country Association

Blue Mountain Lake, NY – June 26, 2020 - The Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake, announced today that it will launch a new online discussion series exploring the realities of racism in the Adirondack region as well as the work of local organizations to address these challenges. The program is being developed in partnership with The Adirondack Diversity Initiative (ADI) and The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA), and is part of ADI’s wider antiracism education and mobilization initiative. Titled The Black Experience in the Adirondacks, the series will kick-off on Thursday, July 2 at 6:00 pm, with a conversation on the mission and work of ADI. Later discussions will explore the particular dangers of driving in the area as a Black person. The talks will take place live over Zoom, with public registration available at www.theADKX.org. A fuller detailing of the currently confirmed July discussions follows below, and additional events will be announced in the coming weeks.

Featuring new outdoor presentations by Kiki Smith and Martha Tuttle

Mountainville, NY (June 26, 2020) – Storm King Art Center is pleased to announce that it anticipates opening its 2020 season as an outdoor-only experience in a limited capacity beginning Wednesday July 15 for the public. The Art Center will open to Storm King Members for a special earlyaccess Member Week from July 8-13.

Various Positions Available as Park Prepares to Reopen

Darien Center, N.Y. – June 26, 2020—In anticipation of safely reopening at the appropriately deemed time, and following the direction outlined by civic leaders, State Officials, health professionals, epidemiologists, and industry experts around the world, Six Flags Darien Lake, the Thrill Capital of New York, is currently seeking qualified individuals to fill more than 1,000 positions in various departments as it prepares to reopen for the 2020 season. Six Flags Darien Lake has established cleanliness, health, and safety standards that meet federal, state, and local guidelines.

Phased reopening to begin with Wild Walk and outdoor experiences

Tupper Lake, N.Y. - The Wild Center is pleased to announce that they will be welcoming visitors back. The Wild Center will begin a phased reopening on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, starting with Wild Walk and outdoor experiences. As a continued commitment to the health and safety of visitors, staff and the wider community, The Wild Center has implemented limited capacity, enhanced operational procedures and cleaning protocols.

Funding will support plans to significantly expand digital engagement and outreach 

Ticonderoga, N.Y. – Fort Ticonderoga is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a highly competitive grant from the National Endowment for Humanities (NEH) CARES Act in the amount of $285,358. The funds will support a project entitled From Fort to Screen: Ticonderoga's Virtual Public Programming. 

“The NEH CARES grant comes at a vital time to support our museum’s essential operations. The COVID-19 pandemic and forced closure of the site the past few months has placed significant financial distress on our operations,” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga president and CEO. “This much needed grant funding will support staff positions and allow Fort Ticonderoga to sustain and develop mission-critical educational programs that will continue serving our global audience.”…

Recipients offer models of successful heritage development

Waterford, NY - The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is pleased to announce recipients of the 2020 Erie Canalway Heritage Award of Excellence: Erie Canal Heritage Park at Port Byron and Gateway Harbor of the Tonawandas in North Tonawanda and Tonawanda. The Port of Newark in Newark received Honorable Mention.