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Jefferson County Historical Society

News Release
228 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601 Phone: (315) 782-3491 FAX: (315) 782-2913 DATE: CONTACT: February 8, 2013 Jeff Garvey, Board of Trustees, President Bill Wood, Executive Director

Director to Leave JCHS Later this Month


After almost four years as Executive Director of the Jefferson County Historical Society William G. Wood (Bill) will be leaving to return to his prior for profit career in the automotive business. Mr. Wood noted I have an opportunity to represent another quality organization like I have with the JCHS. Jeff Garvey, President of the Board of Trustees said a search committee will be formed to consider replacement candidates. The past four years has seen an increase in programs and activities at the museum. New partnerships for exhibits started with the Red & Black Football Hall of Fame Committee combining their collection with that of the JCHS and continued with History of Firefighting in the North Country exhibit involving the historic collections of five local fire departments. The Highway Legends Car, Truck & Motorcycle Club joined in to help Free the 1910 Babcock which was brought to the Clayton Arena and the Syracuse Auto Showcase for the public to enjoy for the first time in twenty years. Last year Highway Legends donated their time and paid for the needed parts to Bring the 1914 Saxon Roadster Back to Life with its first appearance running in 15 years, leading the Armed Forces Day Parade. The Watertown Model Train Club members as well as Tom Bucci and Tom Walker contributed their passion including many hours of volunteer work. The result was two model train displays with one featuring an opportunity for children of all ages to run the trains while learning local history. Family programs and activities such as the Easter Eggstravaganza, Victorian Summer Games, Mothers Day Tea, Jr. History Detectives Treasure Hunt and Santas Workshop encouraged families to come to the JCHS for the first time. Some of the parents and grandparents had not been to the museum in decades. The JCHS's most popular Heritage Days in June has expanded considerably over the years from the ten demonstration areas of living history for fourth graders experienced in prior years. This June over 400 fourth graders on Friday the 7th and over one thousand public visitors on Saturday the 8th are expected to

enjoy free admission for the first time thanks to sponsorship by Slack Chemical President Bob Sturtz and his wife Jean. This year Heritage Days will feature twenty hands-on living history demonstration areas, a Highway Legends Cruise-In with classic and antique cars, a traditional antique fire truck muster organized by the T.I. Hose Haulers, entertainment including music and dance, and local heritage activities. The heritage displays and food will be presented through partnerships with members of the Italian American Civic Association, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, North Country Goes Green and the German-American Club. Mr. Garvey said Bill will be missed and someone hard to replace. Mr. Wood noted the generosity of the many volunteers who donate their time, the hundreds of people throughout the north country who donate funding including the businesses, families and individuals have made the past successes possible. A few individuals and organizations were recognized by the JCHS at the inaugural History on the Water: Awards of Distinction Dinner. The mission of the JCHS is worth the time, worth the donations and support to preserve and present the treasures of local history for this and future generations. Contacts: Jeff Garvey at 779-5126 or Bill Wood at 782-3491 (JCHS Closed Sunday & Monday)

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