Antique Boat Museum Summer Education Program Calendar Announced

CLAYTON, New York (May 31, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, has announced its 2013 Education Program Calendar for the summer months.

The ABM will again host a full slate of educational programs with courses ranging from boat building to boater safety and youth-focused classes and activities, including Camp ABM, Teen Nights, and sailing.

Registration for all education programs is now open and space in select classes/courses is limited.

2013 Education Calendar (June – August)

June 3-4                                                               Boater Safety Course

June 13                                                                 Introduction to Boat building

June 22                                                                 Boater Safety Course

June 24                                                                 Sailing Classes Begin

June 25 through August 13                           FREE Tuesday Night Sailing & Rowing Begins (weekly)

June 27                                                                 Teen Night with Save The River

June 28                                                                 Tool Sharpening Class

July 1                                                                     Camp ABM Begins

July 8-12                                                               Family Boat building Course

July 8-19                                                               Adult and Advanced Sailing Courses

July 16-17                                                            Boater Safety Course

July 18                                                                   Decorative Knot-tying Class

July 20                                                                   Inspecting & Surveying Boat building Class

July 22-26                                                            Teen Kayak Building Course

July 22-August 1                                               Teen Sailing Course

August 5-16                                                        Comet Sailing Course

August 8                                                              Decorative Knot-tying Class

August 10                                                            Boater Safety Course

August 15                                                            Teen Night with TILT

August 20-22                                                      Boater Safety Course

August 28                                                            Introduction to Woodworking

To register for an education program at the ABM, contact Julie Broadbent at 315-686-4104 x235.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. The Museum also offers visitors a number of unique opportunities each summer to get out on the water and experience the St. Lawrence River aboard speedboats, skiffs, and sailboats. For more information, please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

Win a family a boat that they will build in a free course!

NOMINATE A FAMILY FOR A FREE FAMILY BOAT BUILDING CLASS

CLAYTON, New York (May 30, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM) is looking to give one lucky family the opportunity to build their own boat… for free.

Do you know a family that gives back to our community? Do you know a family with a passion for the river and boating? If so, the ABM wants to reward them.

Every summer the ABM offers families the opportunity to work together to construct a boat of their own. The family boat building course is a one (1) week program, which instructs participants through the process of building a cottage skiff. The 11-foot, six-inch flat bottomed craft is yours to keep at the conclusion of the week. Last year three (3) families took part in this course.

The course will run July 8-12, 2013 and is open to family members of all ages, no experience required.  

To nominate a family, please provide us with a letter (up to 500 words) explaining why you wish to see a select family have the opportunity to participate, what they have done for the local community, and why the boat building class would be of interest to them. Own-family nominations will be honored as well.

The family boat building prize is valued at more than $1,400.

Letters should be submitted via email to jbroadbent@abm.org no later than Wednesday, June 12.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. The Museum also offers visitors a number of unique opportunities each summer to get out on the water and experience the St. Lawrence River aboard speedboats, skiffs, and sailboats. For more information, please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

Memorial Day - Clayton NY

On Memorial Day (Monday, May 27, 2013) we remember our fallen warriors who protected our nation and freedoms. May I submit the following to honor this special day (click on the pictures to see them larger):

Memorial display box at the American Legion, Clayton NY

See it in video form below (it is physically animated).

The Clayton NY American Legion has "adopted" a platoon of soldiers from Fort Drum that are currently deployed in Afghanistan (from February to October 2013). Donations are left in the above box (located at the Legion) and then regularly shipped to our troops overseas by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce. As you can see in the box, we have donated our "Castle of Mysteries" [Singer Castle on Dark Island inspirational DVD] so our troops may virtually travel to this beautiful area of the world from the hot sands across the world.

Bob Mondore at the Clayton NY American Legion - Colon Couch Post 821

(Pictures & video above by Patty Mondore)

We always desire to honor our nation's protectors, both on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. If you would like to see our blog concerning one of our own fallen heroes from Northern NY, please click on this link: PFC Jack T. Sweet for pictures.  

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Psalm 27:3-4

3 

Though an army besiege me,

    my heart will not fear;

though war break out against me,

    even then I will be confident.

4 

One thing I ask from the Lord,

    this only do I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

    all the days of my life,

to gaze on the beauty of the Lord

    and to seek him in his temple.

(NIV)

MUSEUM LOOKS TO MAKE A SPLASH THIS SUMMER WITH NEW CAMPAIGN & SLOGAN

Antique Boat Museum billboard. Photo by: Jim Scherzi, Syracuse NY

CLAYTON, New York (May 24, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, launched today a promotional campaign and slogan for the summer of 2013, “Don’t Miss a Thing!”

“Don’t Miss a Thing!” will be included in Museum advertising and other forms of marketing throughout the summer in an effort to build awareness for the multiple happenings at the ABM.

“It’s important to convey our message and draw attention to the Museum in a fun and unique way, while retaining the integrity of the Museum’s long-standing history,” explained Michael Folsom, Director of Marketing and Communications. “There is so much taking place this summer on the campus of the ABM that we want to be sure everyone across the region becomes aware of our happenings, and of course we don’t want anyone to miss it.”

The campaign launch will consist of billboard advertisements along Route 81 North, just past Watertown Center, and on Route 12 between Clayton and Alexandria Bay. In addition, there will be web banner, newspaper, television and radio advertisements throughout the summer season.

Various advertisements will not only feature the summer slogan, but also the 2013 Miss Thousand Islands beauty pageant winner, Ms. Lonna McCary, aboard one of the Museum’s speedboats, Miss Thousand Islands II. 

McCary, a former NFL cheerleader and current student at Hilbert College where she is studying Criminal Justice, is featured in vintage swimwear while wearing her crown and sitting on the back of the speedboat.

“The legacy of the Thousand Islands region, which I am honored to represent, is told through the beautiful vessels at the Antique Boat Museum,” said McCary. “The Miss Thousand Island Pageant, celebrating its 49th anniversary in 2014, is a part of that heritage and a natural partner for the museum.”

McCary will make a public appearance at the Museum later this summer.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. The Museum also offers visitors a number of unique opportunities each summer to get out on the water and experience the St. Lawrence River aboard speedboats, skiffs, and sailboats. In 2013, the Museum will host the 49th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show of its kind within North America. For more information on admission or upcoming events, please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

ANITQUE BOAT MUSEUM TO PARTICIPATE IN BLUE STAR MUSEUMS

Fritz Hager, ABM Executive Director

Antique Boat Museum is one of more than 1,800 museums across America to offer complimentary admission to military personnel and their families

in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense

CLAYTON, New York (May 21, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today that it has again joined forces with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense in an effort to provide active military personnel and their families with complimentary museum admission through the Blue Star Museums initiative in 2013.

The Blue Star Museums initiative provides active United States military personnel and up to five (5) additional guests with complimentary admission to the ABM.  The ABM will also provide free admission in 2013 to retired United States military personnel and a discounted rate to any spouse visiting with them. In addition, any active Canadian military personnel will receive one (1) free admission in 2013.

Proper military identification is required. Offer is not valid for the 2013 Antique Boat Show & Auction or ticketed events during non-museum hours. However, this offer is valid for the 3^rd annual Concours d’Elegance Classic Car Show on July 13.

“We are pleased to join such an extensive list of institutions across the country and show our thanks to the men and women who serve us,” explained Fritz Hager, ABM Executive Director. “In addition to the outstanding Blue Star Museums program, the ABM is pleased to extend our offer to retired United States military personnel and active Canadian military personnel. Plus, our offer will exceed the national program by being in place through the conclusion of our operating calendar this coming December 20.”

“Blue Star Museums is a collaboration between the arts and military communities," said NEA Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa. “Our work with Blue Star Families and with more than 1,800 museums ensures that we can reach out to military families and thank them for their service and sacrifice.”

“Blue Star Museums is something that service members and their families look forward to every year and we are thrilled with the continued growth of the program,” said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. “Through this distinctive collaboration between Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts and more than 1,800 museums across the United States, service members and their families can connect with our national treasures with this unparalleled opportunity to visit some of the country’s finest museums for free.”

This year, ABM joins more than 1,800 (and counting) museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa which will take part in the initiative, including more than 450 new museums.

About Blue Star Museums

BlueStar Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 1,800 museums across America. The program runs from Memorial Day, May 27, 2013 through Labor Day, September 2, 2013.

The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty U.S. military - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps - and up to five family members. Some special or limited-time museum exhibits may not be included in this free admission program. For questions on particular exhibits or museums, please contact the museum directly. To find out which museums are participating, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. The site includes a list of participating museums and a map to help with visit planning.

This is the latest NEA program to bring quality arts programs to the military, veterans, and their families. Other NEA programs for the military have included the NEA/Walter Reed Healing Arts Partnership; Great American Voices Military Base Tour; and Shakespeare in American Communities Military Base Tour. 4

About Antique Boat Museum

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands region of upstate New York, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. The Museum will host its 49^th annual Antique Boat Show & Auction, the longest running antique boat show in North America, on August 2-4, 2013. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

About Blue Star Families

BlueStar Families is a national, nonprofit network of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserve, dedicated to supporting, connecting and empowering military families. With our partners, Blue Star Families hosts a robust array of morale and empowerment programs, including Books on Bases, Blue Star Museums, Operation Honor Corp, Blue Star Careers and Operation Appreciation. Blue Star Families also works directly with the Department of Defense and senior members of local, State and Federal government to bring the most important military family issues to light. Working in concert with fellow nonprofits, community advocates, and public officials, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life and works to make military life more sustainable. Our worldwide membership includes military spouses, children, parents, and friends, as well as service members, veterans and civilians. To learn more about Blue Star Families, visit http://www.bluestarfam.org.

About the National Endowment for the Arts

TheNational Endowment for the Arts was established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. To date, the NEA has awarded more than $4 billion to support artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. The NEA extends its work through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector. To join the discussion on how art works, visit the NEA at arts.gov.

Singer Castle on Dark Island in the Thousand Islands Open and Welcomes You to Visit.

It’s Time to Open the Castle 

Bright sunshine, pleasant temperatures and a calm river graced the opening of the 11th season 
at Singer Castle on Dark Island on Saturday, May 18th. Returning staff members look forward to 
another season of guiding visitors through Frederick Bourne’s historic “hunting lodge.”

Pictured left to right on the Terrace in front of the Clock Tower are Audrey Pease, Zech Davidson-Cunningham, Jean Papke, Rosie Calhoun, Melissa Marshall, Tucker Lipinski, Scott Garris and 
Ryan Garris.

The Castle will be open weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with tours starting hourly through 4:00 
p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from Noon until 4:00 p.m. with the final tour of the day 
beginning at 3:00 p.m.  From June 20th thru Labor Day the castle will be open daily then 
weekends thru October 6th.  Call 1-877-327-5475 or visit www.singercastle.com for more
information about private or group tours, overnight stays, weddings and special events.

Above communique direct from Dark Island.

Antique Boat Museum's 2013 DATES OF OPERATION & EVENT SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

Folks, As you have been seeing, this blog (SingerCastle.blogspot.com) has become a major conduit of timely information and fun facts from the Antique Boat Museum located in Clayton NY. Stay tuned to this channel for all kinds of pictures and fascinating stuff from there, the castles, the St. Lawrence River, and the Thousand Islands. Much more fun to be announced!

Lonna McCary, Miss Thousand Islands 2013, former NFL Cheerleader

Photo source: the Antique Boat Museum

CLAYTON, New York (May 9, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, has announced its 2013 dates of operation and event schedule.

The ABM will kick-start the 1000 Islands summer season this Friday [May 10th] at 9 a.m. when the Museum officially opens and begins the countdown to the 49^th annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running antique boat show in North America, to be held August 2-4.

This season will include new events and activities, as well as an extended operations calendar, which will take the Museum through more than 200 days in 2013.

2013 Dates of Operation

Friday, May 10                                                   Summer Season Begins

Tuesday, October 1                                         La Duchesse Closes (seasonal exhibit)

Sunday, October 13                                        Rideboat Operations Conclude

Monday, October 14                                      Fall/Winter Season Begins*

Friday, December 20                                      Museum and Museum Store Close for the Season

* Hours and dates to be finalized

2013 Event Schedule

Friday, May 10 – Sunday, May 12              Opening Weekend

Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19              ACBS/ABM Symposium

Thursday, May 23                                            “Call for Volunteers” Breakfast

Friday, May 24                                                   Reception for New Exhibit Opening

Saturday, June 8                                               Free Admission Family Day

Sunday, June 16 – Saturday, June 22       International Steamboat Flotilla “Blow Off Steam”

Sunday, June 30                                               Free Vessel Inspections, courtesy of USCG Auxiliary, 9-1 p.m.

Wednesday, July 3                                          July Jubilee

Saturday, July 13                                              3^rd Annual 1000 Islands Concours d’Elegance Classic Car Show

Friday, July 19                                                    Movie Under the Stars, showing Night at the Museum

Friday, August 2 – Sunday, August 4        49^th Annual Antique Boat Show & Auction

Saturday, August 17 – Sunday, August 18

                                                                                Schooner Lois McClure Visits*

Friday, August 23                                             Movie Under the Stars, showing Pirates of the Caribbean

Thursday, September 5                                 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

* subject to change

The Museum will also announce new winter and off-season events at a later date.

In 2012, the ABM welcomed more than 30,000 visitors through the gates for various events, weddings, facility rentals, and museum admission.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. The Museum also offers visitors a number of unique opportunities each summer to get out on the water and experience the St. Lawrence River aboard speedboats, skiffs, and sailboats. For more information, please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM LAUNCHES PILOT EPISODE OF “OLD BOAT STORIES”

Photo: Allan Newell

CLAYTON, New York (May 8, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, released today a pilot episode of what the Museum hopes to one day turn into a mini-series.

“Old Boat Stories: Episode One” [as seen below] has been launched via the Museum’s YouTube channel (youtube.com/antiqueboatmuseumny), with the intent of perhaps becoming a wooden boating mini-series.

Set in the heart of the 1000 Islands region of upstate New York, the pilot episode focuses on the restoration and history of Splinter, a 28-foot long-decked launch built by Morristown Boat and Engine Company. Splinter, originally built in 1912, has the ability to cruise throughout the region now some 100 years later thanks to the dedication and hard work put forth by wooden boat enthusiasts such as Allan Newell and Everett Smith, former curator of the ABM. Newell, who is a long-standing contributor to the ABM and has served for several years on the Museum’s Board of Trustees, is the owner of the boat and he shares with viewers the boat’s history and revitalization in this episode.

Included in the episode is Emmett Smith, son of Everett, and current curator of the ABM.

“Devotion toward wooden boats goes unheralded and the production of this pilot episode allows us to share with the world the uniqueness and character that wooden boats, as well as their owners, collectors and craftsmen possess,” explained Fritz Hager, Executive Director.

“Episode Two” is currently being drawn up to document the restoration of the world’s largest runabout, Pardon Me, which departed the ABM in 2012 for Brooklin, ME to undergo extensive work.

Filmed in 2012 and produced by Le JIT Productions of Brooklyn, NY, the concept of “Old Boat Stories” was developed in conjunction with former ABM Director John MacLean in an effort to highlight antique and classic boating and ensure longevity in the hobby, as well as stay true to the ABM’s mission of celebrating boats to advance public understanding of the cultural history.

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. Beginning May 10, the campus comes alive with speedboat rides, boat shows, and educational programs for all ages, special events and more. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.

Opening Dates of the 1000 Islands' Castles (2013)

Singer Castle brochure

Singer Castle will open for the 2013 season on May 18 
(and will be open Saturdays and Sundays and by appointment through June 25)

Open daily June 25 - Labor Day

Open Saturdays and Sundays and by appointment Labor Day - October 6

Boat Transportation
Visitors may find transportation on shuttle, tour boat, or by personal watercraft.
Uncle Sam Boat Tour departs Alexandria Bay, NY. Find information and reservations at 877-253-9229 or on the web at www.usboattours.com
Schermerhorn Harbor Shuttle Hammond, NY. Call 315-324-5966 or on the web at www.schermerhornharbor.com  for directions, schedule information or to make reservations.
For Canadian departures contact Rockport Boat Lines Rockport, Ontario at 800-563-8687.
Private Boaters Welcome!!!
Over 600 feet of free dockage! Dock attendants are prepared and on hand to assist you.   Dockage is free while touring, or shopping in the Gift Shop. Call ahead 315-324-3275 or use your Marine Radio Channel 16.

Charter group tours are available from Uncle Sam Boat Tours (877-253-9229 or www.usboattours.com) and from Schermerhorn Harbor (315-324-5966).

A reminder to boaters from Canadian waters: Until we establish an Immigration/Customs office on Dark Island, you are obligated to meet all United States criteria. Travelers from outside the United States must go to Heart Island near Alexandria Bay or the town dock in Morristown to clear immigration and customs prior to docking at Dark Island.

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Boldt Castle, Photo by Ad Meskins

Boldt Castle 2013 Hours of Operation

May 11-June 23: 10:00am - 6:30pm

June 24-Sept 1: 10:00am - 7:30pm

Sept 2-Sept 29: 10:00am - 6:30pm

Sept 30-Oct 14: 10:00am - 5:30pm

Oct 15-Oct 20: 11:00am - 5:00pm 

Boldt Castle Yacht House 

May 11 - Sept 29: 10:30am - 6:30pm

Special Hours: The Castle will remain open until 7:30pm on Memorial Day Weekend, May 25th and 26th. It will also remain open until 6:30pm on Columbus Day/Canadian Thanksgiving, Oct 12th and Oct 13th.

For more info: 1.800.847.5263

Boat tours from both the U.S. and Canada stop at Heart Island. Extensive docking is available for private pleasure craft. A shuttle from Heart Island provides access to the Boldt Castle Yacht House.

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All information in this date's blog is directly from the respective castle website and is posted here for your convenience. Be sure to check with them for more details and changes before making any plans.

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