The Beat

75^th Anniversary Planning Committee will commemorate Aug. 5, 1944 arrival of 982 Holocaust Refugees at the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter

 “In the Spring of 1944 a crisis developed as refugees making their way through German lines began interfering with Allied military operations in Italy, and allied refugee camps were pushed to overflowing.  When America’s European allies balked at opening new refugee camps in their own countries and territories, President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced his intention to open the Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter in Oswego, NY.  Roosevelt’s goal in opening a camp in the Continental United States was to convince our allies that America was serious about rescuing the Jews of Europe, and to accept refugees themselves.  Fort Ontario subsequently became the only camp or shelter for Holocaust refugees in the United States during World War II.  It is where every-day Americans and reporters first encountered the victims and their personal stories of persecution at the hands of the Nazis, and it resulted in Holocaust stories moving from the back to the front pages of American newspapers.  Fort Ontario is where the Holocaust came to America.”Paul Lear, Historic Site Manager, Fort Ontario State Historic Site…

New Bathhouse and Concession Building, Dune Restoration and "Green" Parking Lots Represent First Major Improvement to the Park in 50 Years

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced work has started on a $5.2 million beach area renovation project at Southwick Beach State Park on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario. The project will be the first major improvement to the popular beachfront park in 50 years and will feature a new bathhouse and concession building as well as restored dunes and new "green" parking lots to enhance environmental protection at the park.

"State parks are essential to New York's thriving tourism industry and are gateways to the natural beauty the Empire State has to offer," Governor Cuomo said. "The addition of a new bathhouse and concession building combined with dune restoration and other environmental protection measures will help revitalize Southwick Beach State Park and create an even more welcoming destination for tourists and residents alike."…

Massena, N.Y. - Yanks and Johnny Rebs will be at it again during the St. Lawrence County Historical Association’s annual Civil War Reenactment Weekend at Robert Moses State Park, Massena.  The sights and sounds of the Civil War will fill the air at the 17^th annual Civil War Reenactment Saturday and Sunday July 28-29. The event is sponsored by SeaComm Federal Credit Union, with additional support from Niles Asset Management, Stewart’s Shops, A#1 King’s Buffet of Massena, St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union, Jock Pest Control, the Blue Spruce Motel, AMVETS Post #265 (Parishville), and VFW Post 6338 (Gouverneur).

Each Sunday in July and August, as well as September 2^nd , from 1 to 3 pm

Guided Tours of the Lighthouse will be provided

Clinton County, N.Y. – The public is invited to visit the historic Bluff Point Lighthouse on Valcour Island each Sunday in July and August as well as September 2^nd.  Transportation to the Lighthouse is the responsibility of the individual. Guided tours will be provided.  The Lighthouse will close at 3 pm each day. 

Visitors to the Lighthouse will view displays depicting the history of Lake Champlain Lighthouses, Lake Champlain’s Military History, the 20^th Century Camps on Valcour Island and the Life of a Lighthouse Keeper. Visitors may climb to the Lantern Room to see the functioning light and the outstanding view it offers.

Canton, N.Y. – Are you planning to attend the Canton Canoe Weekend and Rushton Memorial Races? On May 5^th, the first day of the races, the St. Lawrence County Historical Association will be hosting its first-ever “white glove” event, featuring items from the Rushton collection! Participants will be able to don white cotton gloves and carefully handle Rushton-related objects and archival items under the watchful eyes of the SLCHA curator and archives manager. If you have ever wanted to peruse the pages of a Rushton catalogue or look through scrapbooks of photographs of the factory floor, now is your chance!…

Seventeen sugarhouses, the American Maple Museum, pancake breakfasts, and the 4th Annual Maple Sap Run and Walk are set to offer visitors sweet enjoyment on the March 17-18 and March 24-25, 2018 New York State Maple Weekends. The tours and tastings are free.

Canton, N.Y. – Are you ready for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang? Learn more about the history of the Olympic Winter Games when Mark Friden speaks at noon on Thursday, January 18^th, at the St. Lawrence County Historical Association. The talk will cover his involvement in figure skating as a competitor and as an official, leading up to his work for ABC Sports as their technical consultant for figure skating at the Sarajevo Winter Olympics. Brown Bag Lunches are free and open to the public. Bring your own lunch and enjoy a beverage and dessert provided by SLCHA.

Special Program on Lincoln’s Private Secretary, John G. Nicolay -

Oswego, N.Y.  – History buffs have a rare opportunity to learn about President Abraham Lincoln’s private secretary John George Nicolay Wednesday, Aug. 23, when Civil War historian and Oswego native Tom Ebert presents a free lecture at Fort Ontario State Historic Site. The program begins at 7 p.m. in the Enlisted Men’s Barracks at old Fort Ontario and is open to the public.

Massena, N.Y. This year, the St. Lawrence County Historical Association is proud to welcome Linda Russell as a guest to the 16^th annual Civil War Weekend. For sixteen years, Ms. Russell worked as a singing interpreter at the Federal Hall National Memorial before becoming an independent, touring musician specializing in historical programming. She will perform a concert for the public at 12:30pm on Saturday, July 29^th, and at 11:30am on Sunday, July 30^th, at the reenactment site at Robert Moses State Park in Massena. The concerts are free with admission, which is $4 per person per day and free for veterans and children 6 and under, with a maximum charge of $15 per vehicle.

Clayton, NY. – The 40th Annual Thousand Island Gun Show is set for Saturday and Sunday, August 19 and 20, 2017 at Cerow Recreation Park Arena in Clayton, NY.

Along with more than 60 vendors, the special featured exhibitor at the show will be the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation with information on its Young Forest Initiative, accessible recreation for people with disabilities, and education programs for hunters and trappers.