29/04/2026
‘Open Doors to History’ Kicks Off This Weekend in the Seaway Region
Canton, NY — This Saturday, May 2, St. Lawrence County invites you to step inside the places that shaped the region as part of Open Doors to History, a countywide experience celebrating America’s 250th.
Kicking off the first of three featured weekends, Open Doors to History offers free and donation-based access to museums, historic sites, and cultural spaces, beginning in the Seaway Region with participating locations in Hammond, Ogdensburg, Waddington, and Massena.
Each Saturday series is focused on individual regions, making it easier to explore multiple sites in one day. Some locations will offer on-site historians and volunteers to provide insight, while others are open for self-guided discovery. Many locations will also feature exhibits, photo opportunities, light refreshments, and other special touches.
Sites open Saturday, May 2 include:
Hammond: Hammond Historical Museum
Ogdensburg: The Parish Mansion Galleries at Frederic Re*****on Art Museum, Fort de La Présentation, Ogdensburg History Museum, First Presbyterian Church of Ogdensburg
Waddington: Gallery at Lake St. Lawrence Arts (Clark House), George Redington House, Lilac Inn, Waddington Hepburn Library, Waddington Museum & Town Hall
Massena: Seaway Visitor Center at Eisenhower Lock, Celine G. Philibert Cultural Centre
For hours and location details, visit www.STLC250.com.
“We encourage anyone interested in learning about the history and heritage of our local communities to take part,” said Kathryn Puleo, Destination Manager for Visit St. Lawrence County. “It’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and build a sense of pride in where we live. Many of these sites are small or volunteer-based and are only open limited hours, so they’re excited for the opportunity to be visited.”
A key driver behind the program has been the leadership of St. Lawrence County Historian Nancy LaFaver, working with local historians and site partners across the county. “We’re incredibly grateful to Nancy LaFaver for the leadership and coordination it took to bring so many partners together and bring this program to life,” said Puleo. “It’s a true example of what can happen when communities across the county work together to build something larger than any one site alone.”
Open Doors to History will continue on Saturday, June 6 throughout the River Valley and Saturday, July 4 in the Adirondack Foothills, each highlighting different regions and communities across the county.
Open Doors to History is part of St. Lawrence County’s America 250th initiative, developed in collaboration between the St. Lawrence County Historian’s Office and the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce tourism team on behalf of the St. Lawrence County 250th Commemorative Commission.
For questions or to participate in the June 6 or July 4 series, contact Nancy LaFaver at [email protected].
