The Beat

Lighthouses, Shipwrecks, Recreational Boating, Naval Battle and More

Oswego, N.Y.  – H. Lee White Maritime Museum of Oswego and New York Sea Grant have announced a Virtual Exhibit Experience freely accessible at https://hlwmm.org/path_history.php and showcasing New York State's lighthouses, shipwrecks, naval military battles, and 100 years of freshwater boating. Teachers may contact the museum for assistance in using this resource in classrooms in the fall.

Clayton, New York (June 11, 2020) – The Antique Boat Museum and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 1-6 (Alexandria Bay) are collaborating to adapt “About Boating Safely”, the Auxiliary’s nationally recognized boater safety class to meet COVID-19 restrictions. All classes offered through the Alexandria Bay Flotilla will be offered via Google Meet through November. While this is a USCG Auxiliary class, registration through the Antique Boat Museum’s website is required to be added to the roster.

One of the biggest snowshoe events in the US !

Mannsville, NY (January 9, 2020) - Celebrating its 10th year anniversary, the Stone Wall Snowshoe Event on January 26, 2020, is a NOT TO MISS winter event, right here on the Tug Hill. Hosted by Winona Forest Recreation Association (WFRA), this year's event features a "Snowshoe for Charity". WFRA will donate 50% of registration fees and a $1000 grand prize will be awarded to the largest groups' favorite charity!…

Announces Free Fishing on Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and Lower Niagara River through Labor Day as well as 50% Off Camping and Vehicle Entrance Fees at State Parks along Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River

New Television Spot Promotes Travel to Lake Ontario and Surrounding Attractions - View the Ad Here  

Hatchery Improvements and Resiliency Grants Will Bolster the $121 Million in Regional Economic Benefit  

Furthers Mission of the REDI Commission to Build More Resilient and Stronger Local Communities along the Shoreline by Strengthening Local Economies

NEW YORK – August 2, 2019 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday announced the launch of a new campaign to boost tourism in the Lake Ontario region following recent flooding that has hampered tourism in communities along the shoreline. The new initiative includes free fishing on Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River and Lower Niagara River through Labor Day as well as 50 percent off State campgrounds and vehicle entrance fees along the lake and river.

Clayton, N.Y. – The Clayton Rotary Club has announced the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as the featured exhibitor for the 2019 Clayton Gun Show. The show will be held August 17-18, 2019, at the Cerow Recreation Park Arena in Clayton, NY, and is a Yellow Ribbon event for military personnel.

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!…