Antique Boat Museum ANNOUNCES NEW CLOSING DATE FOR 2015

ABM boat show, photo credit: Matthew Stephan/ABM

CLAYTON, New York (October 21, 2015) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum, has announced a new closing date for the 2015 season.

The last day for visitors to tour the Antique Boat Museum will be Saturday, October 31. The Museum is currently operating under its Fall/Winter schedule and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and closed on Sunday and Monday. Select exhibits are being taken off display for the season and a discount admission rate is in effect.

Hours of Operations for Visitors & Shoppers

Tuesday-Saturday                                           10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, Monday                                              Closed

Fall/Winter Admission Rates

Adult                                     $8.00                                     Youth                                    $4.00                    

Child (under 6 yrs)           FREE                                      Groups                                 Call for pricing

Active Military & Immediate Family       FREE                                     

Retired Military                                               FREE

Military Spouse                                                 $7.00    

Note: Select summer season discount offers do not apply

Following the October 31 closing date, shoppers who wish to make a purchase from the Bowline Boutique are still able to do so Monday-Friday through the holiday season. Please call ahead to ensure a staff member is available to help you: 315-686-4104.

An opening date for the 2016 season has been set for Friday, May 6.

About ABM

The ABM is home to North America’s largest antique boat collection with more than 300 boats and over 1,000 boating artifacts. In addition, the Museum is also host of the longest running antique boat show, which will celebrate its 52^nd year next August 5-7, 2016. For more information, please visit the Museum’s website at abm.org.

North Country Troopers assisting Troops - Troops treated to guided fishing tours.

Troopers assisting Troups, photo by Patty Mondore

The third annual "North Country Troopers Assisting the Troops" guided fishing trip for our servicemen and women was held at Frink Park in Clayton, on Saturday, September 19th.   Over 80 soldiers were taken out fishing by local charter fishing guides from three area communities (Clayton, Alexandria Bay, and Cape Vincent).  They were then brought back to the main dock in a parade of the fishing boats where they were cheered by a large crowd of troopers, firemen and  civilians who came to support our troops.

Gold-Mountain  (Bob and Patty) produced a short video clip of the event:

Shortly after uploading our video we received a note from Mike Pastuf who is the Secretary of Troopers Assisting Troops.  He thanked us for our production and encouraged us to help get the word out so that more people will be there to cheer next year.  You can stay tuned to this blog for more details about next year's event as they become available. Patty has also written an article about it with more pictures for the Thousand Islands Life Magazine. 

Antique Boat Museum Announces FALL/WINTER DATES OF OPERATION & RATES

CLAYTON, New York (September 22, 2015) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum, has announced its Fall/Winter dates of operation.

Beginning October 13, the Museum will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and closed on Sunday and Monday. Select exhibits will be taken off display for the season and a discount admission rate will be in effect.

The extended calendar will take the Museum through 194 days of operation in 2015.

Fall/Winter Dates of Operation

Wednesday, September 30                         LaDuchesse Houseboat Tours Conclude

Monday, October 12                                      Ride the River Boat Rides Conclude

Tuesday, October 13                                      Fall/Winter Season Begins

Friday, November 20                                      Museum and Bowline Boutique Close for the Season

Hours of Operations

Tuesday-Saturday                                           10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, Monday                                              Closed

Fall/Winter Admission Rates

Adult                                     $8.00                                     

Youth                                    $4.00                    

Child (under 6 yrs)           FREE                                      

Groups                                 Call for pricing

    Active Military & Immediate Family    FREE                                     

Retired Military                                               FREE

Military Spouse                                                $7.00    

Note: Select summer season discount offers do not apply

The Bowline Boutique will also remain open through November 20, allowing for visitors to shop ahead of the holiday season.

Thus far in 2015, the ABM has seen an increase in attendance, including a 20% boost in the month of July compared to 2014 totals. In addition, the annual antique boat show entertained more than 6,000 visitors this year.

About ABM

The ABM is home to North America’s largest antique boat collection with more than 300 boats and over 1,000 boating artifacts. In addition, the Museum is also host of the longest running antique boat show, which will celebrate its 52^nd year next August 5-7, 2016. For more information, please visit the Museum’s website at abm.org.

ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RESIGNS

CLAYTON, New York (September 18, 2015) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM) announced today that Frederick “Fritz” H. Hager, the Museum’s Executive Director since January 2012, has resigned his position effective immediately.

Hager will remain with the museum in a consulting role through the end of the year.

Rick W. Tague, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said “Fritz and the Board have thoughtful, professional difference of opinions regarding the operational priorities and strategic direction of the ABM. As a result, the Board made the decision to seek new leadership and Fritz agreed to step aside as executive director.”

John C. MacLean, the ABM’s Executive Director from 2002 through 2010, will serve as interim executive director while the ABM conducts a search for a permanent successor.

ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM REJOINS SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE’S MUSEUM DAY LIVE!

See below to download FREE ticket

to the Antique Boat Museum!

CLAYTON, New York (September 2, 2015) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum, will once again open its doors free of charge on Saturday September 26, 2015, as part of Smithsonian magazine’s eleventh annual Museum Day Live! On this day only, participating museums across the United States emulate the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington DC-based facilities, which offer free admission every day, and open their doors for free to those who download a Museum Day Live! ticket. 

Inclusive by design, the event represents Smithsonian’s commitment to make learning and the spread of knowledge accessible to everyone. Last year’s event drew over 400,000 participants, and this year’s event is expected to attract more museum goers than ever before.

“We encourage our North Country neighbors, as well as visitors from afar, to come and see what the ABM has to offer,” explained Michael Folsom, director of marketing and communications. “This nationwide event is a wonderful opportunity to get out and explore your local institutions and further educate yourself on their mission and purpose.”

The Museum Day Live! ticket is now available for download at Smithsonian.com/museumday. Visitors who present the Museum Day Live! ticket will gain free entry for up to two (2) at participating venues for one (1) day only. One ticket, per household, per email address is permitted. For more information about Museum Day Live! 2015 and a full list of participating museums and cultural institutions, please visit Smithsonian.com/museumday. 

About Smithsonian Media
Smithsonian Media comprises of its flagship publication, Smithsonian magazine, as well as Air & Space, Smithsonian Books, and the Smithsonian Media Digital Network. In addition, Smithsonian Media oversees the Smithsonian Institution’s interest in the Smithsonian Channel, a joint venture between the Smithsonian Institution and CBS/Showtime. Smithsonian Media is a division of Smithsonian Enterprises, the revenue-generating business unit of the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. Approximately 30 million people from around the world visit the museums annually.

Artwork added to Singer Castle Collection

Jousting Knights, photo by Jean Papke.

Thanks to the owners of Cavallario's Steak and Seafood, several pieces of medieval inspired artwork have been added to the collection of arms and armor at Singer Castle on Dark Island.  They will be hung in various places around the castle.  One piece showing jousting knights is now on display over the buffet in the castle’s Dining Room. 

The Macsherry Trail and the philanthropists behind it.

Bob Mondore hiking the Macsherry Trail.

(Click on photo to see it larger.)

More than once Bob and Patty Mondore have hiked the beautiful gem of a trail located in the 1,000 Islands called the Macsherry Trail. The story behind the trail leads to another beautiful 1000 Islands gem. Patty has written a wonderful article about the Macsherry family (Richard and Mary, et al) which has just been published in the Thousand Islands Life online magazine: 

www.thousandislandslife.com. 

No need to reinvent the wheel here. So without further ado, please click on the above link to read the article for a fascinating message, complete with pictures of the trail and the philanthropists behind it and so much more! 

Patty Mondore analyzes the root cause of the Macsherry trail.

GUIDE TO THE 51st ANNUAL ANTIQUE BOAT SHOW & AUCTION PRESENTED BY RBC WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Free koozie giveaway, live music, after hours events and more

CLAYTON, New York (July 21, 2015) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today a complete guide to the longest running Antique Boat Show in North America, to be held Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2.

The 51^st edition of the annual Antique Boat Show & Auction presented by RBC Wealth Management will feature a wide variety of antique and classic boats from near and far. In addition, the Marketplace returns, unique forums will be held, the popular boat auction conducted by Antique Boat America will take place on August 1 at 1:00 p.m., and the ABM education department has lined up an assortment of children’s activities throughout the weekend. Plus, live music rocks the Museum campus on Friday and Saturday.

BOAT SHOW BY THE NUMBERS (as of July 20):

Exhibitors – boats (water and land display) and engines                 80

Cumulative boat lengths                                                              More than 2,000-feet

Oldest registered vessel                                                              
circa 1900

Registrations from across North America                                      CT, FL, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, VT, WA, Ontario, Quebec

Below is a complete guide is below –

SHOW HOURS

Friday, July 31               9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 1         9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 2           9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Note: ABM will remain open to visitors until 5:00 p.m. on August 2

ADMISSION RATES                 Members                       Free

Adult                             $15 (Friday/Saturday); $14 (Sunday)

Youth (7-17)                  $10 (Friday/Saturday); $8 (Sunday)

Child (6 & under)           Free

Active/Retired Military Free – courtesy of River Hospital

Military Spouse              $10 (each day)

Military Youth                $5 (each day)

Adult 3-Day Pass            $30

Youth 3-Day Pass           $20

ADMITTANCE TO THE SHOWS Visitors will be directed to the ABM’s Boat Shop located on the corner of Mary Street and Alexandria Street to purchase admission bracelets or check-in as a member.

Note: the entire ABM campus, including the Marketplace vendor area and the auction will be fenced in and admission will be required to enter.

The sidewalk along Mary Street will remain open to public access at all times throughout both shows.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES              Live music at the show – Gary Walts (July 31, 3-5 p.m. & August 1,

10:30-Noon); The Arrythmias (August 1, Noon – 2 p.m.); Dunes & the Deltunes performs at the Block Dance (August 1, 8 – 10 p.m.; free of charge).

Fleet Fete – Friday, July 31 at 6 p.m. – a first look at the Boat Auction, after hours peek at the Boat Show, and great food. A fundraising event to benefit the ABM. Tickets $75/person and can be purchased by calling 315-686-4104.

First 500 visitors through the gate on August 1 receive a free 51^st Boat Show koozie, courtesy of RBC Wealth Management.

Free souvenir photo booth on Saturday, August 1 from 11 – 3 p.m.

Boat Auction, conducted by Antique Boat America, takes place Saturday, August 1 at 1:00 p.m.; bidder paddles can be obtained in person the day of the auction

Forums include well-known author Tony Mollica on Friday, July 31, as well as Tom “Doc Lyman” Koroknay on both Friday and Saturday.

After Hours at the Boat Show with cocktails and dinner, catered by The Clipper Inn, on Saturday, August 1. Tickets available by calling 686-4104.

Boat Show concludes with the Grand Parade presented by Bernier, Carr & Associates on Sunday, August 2 starting at Noon.

PARKING                                 Free Shuttle during Boat Show – courtesy of Wood Boat Brewery –

available at Guardino Elementary and Lions Field Lot (Webb Street).

Village street parking is permitted, however the ABM asks that you be considerate of our neighbors and avoid blocking sidewalks and driveways.

The ABM Community Lot located on Riverside Drive behind Watertown Savings Bank will be utilized by the Museum and should remain clear of all vehicles and trailers beginning on Thursday, July 30 through Sunday August 2 at 5:00 p.m.

DOCKING                                Visitors coming to the show by boat may wish to reconsider as dock

space is likely to be minimal. If attempting, please know that dock space is on a first come-first serve basis along the French Bay end of the Mary Street Municipal Dock. All boaters will need to check-in through admissions in the Boat Shop before proceeding into the show.

No docking will be permitted on the ABM docks for the general public during Boat Show.

BOATER SAFETY                     The ABM asks that boaters be courteous and neighborly when cruising

near the Museum and keep wakes to a minimum.

SMOKING                                Smoking will only be permitted within designated areas on the grounds

during Boat Show. No smoking will be allowed on the main campus,

within exhibit buildings, or on the docks.

DOGS                                       Dogs will only be allowed in the Marketplace and street-side areas of

the event grounds. No dogs will be permitted into buildings or the interior main campus of the ABM. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog and keeping them leashed at all times.

NOTES OF INTEREST              The main entrance to the show will be at the ABM Boat Shop on the

corner of Alexandria Street and Mary Street. All visitors must obtain wristbands or badges to enter.

Mary Street Closed – the stretch of Mary Street between Alexandria and Theresa Streets, in front of the ABM, will be closed to traffic throughout the show, including overnight hours.

Clayton Public Boat Ramp will remain accessible via Theresa Street throughout the event.

ANTIQUE BOAT MUSEUM ANNOUNCES BOARD OF TRUSTEES RE-ELECTIONS/APPOINTMENTS

CLAYTON, New York (July 19, 2015) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today re-elections and appointments to the Museum Board of Trustees.

Re-elected to three-year terms, through July 2018, during the Museum’s annual membership meeting on Friday, July 17, 2015:

William J. Cosgrove, Jr.

Harold B. Johnson II

Eric Mower

Joseph M. Pal

Melissa Ringer-Hardy

John D. Simpson

Rick W. Tague

Addison F. Vars III

In addition, Edward C. McNally and Lee T. Hirschey were appointed as Trustee Emeritus, following extensive tenures and playing significant roles as members of the Museum Board.

Appointed as Officers at the Museum’s Board Meeting on July 17:

Rick W. Tague – Chairman

Kathleen R. Cross – Vice Chairman

Charles S. Crow III – Secretary

William J. Cosgrove, Jr. – Treasurer

The ABM, now open daily 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., is home to North America’s largest antique boat collection with more than 300 boats and over 1,000 boating artifacts. In addition, the Museum is also host of the longest running antique boat show, which will celebrate its 51^st year this coming July 31 – August 2. For more information, visit the Museum’s website at abm.org.

MUSEUM EXTENDS THANKS TO NYS LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

Discount admission to be offered

CLAYTON, New York (June 29, 2015) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM) announced today that it will extend a special offer to all New York State-based law enforcement officials between July 1 and July 10.

Following a strenuous three-week manhunt by multiple law enforcement agencies in northern NY, the ABM will offer half price admission to all law enforcement officers, with valid law enforcement identification, as a means of thanks for their work and dedication to keep our great state safe.

“For nearly a month, communities in northern NY were rattled by the fact that two dangerous individuals were hiding out and their whereabouts was unknown. It is a relief for all New Yorkers to now know the challenging work by law enforcement has paid off,” explained Michael Folsom, Director of Marketing & Communications. “This offer is just our small way of saying thanks and we encourage other attractions and organizations from across the state to find similar ways to participate.”

The half price admission offer is valid beginning on Wednesday, July 1 and will run through Friday, July 10. This offer is being extended to not just those who were a part of the search, but any and all law enforcement based within NY State, including US Border and Protection, correctional facility officers, NYS Park Rangers, etc.

The ABM, located at 750 Mary Street, Clayton NY 13624, is now open daily 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is home to North America’s largest antique boat collection with more than 300 boats and over 1,000 boating artifacts. In addition, the Museum is also host of the longest running antique boat show, which will celebrate its 51^st year this July 31-August 2. For more information, please visit the Museum’s website at abm.org.

BRITISH CARS SET TO ROLL INTO CLAYTON

5^th annual Concours Show to take place July 11

CLAYTON, New York (June 25, 2015) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM) announced today that the fifth annual 1000 Islands Concours d' Elegance Classic Car Show will be held on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. This year’s theme has been crowned “British Royalty” and the featured marques of the year include Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaguar and Aston Martin. 

Entries for cars of any marque and age may be submitted, but must be at least 25 or more years of age to be eligible for judging. The judged awards will include the Brock Yates Best in Show Trophy, the Judges Choice Trophy, the Fred Petroske Memorial Trophy for the best British car, as well as three (3) 1000 Island Awards trophies. Previous winners of the Brock Yates Trophy include a 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing Coupe, a 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4 and a 1954 Corvette.

All entered vehicles (judged and unjudged) are eligible for the People’s Choice (Marque of the Year), People’s Choice (non-Marque of the Year) and “Car I Would Most Like to Drive Home” awards, which are selected by the public. All women in attendance will have the opportunity to select the Ladies Choice Award.

  

The show, brought to you by RBC Wealth Management, 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel and Hagerty Classic Car Insurance, opens to the public at 10 a.m. and all trophies will be awarded prior to 3:30 p.m. Show admission, which includes the ABM and its general offerings, is $14.

On July 12, there will be a guided drive around the beautiful 1000 Islands area, which will include a driving tour through the town of Alexandria Bay following the old route of “Round-the-House” races that took place in the 1930s. Participant cars will also make a visit to the Cornwall Brothers Store Museum where a new exhibit relating to those races is expected to debut. 

Registration for the show is $40 per vehicle, which includes museum entrance, lunch and a boat ride, plus participation in the Sunday drive. Registration forms and additional information are available at abm.org or by contacting Margaret Hummel at mhummel@abm.org or 315-686-4104. 

The ABM, now open daily 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., is home to North America’s largest antique boat collection with more than 300 boats and over 1,000 boating artifacts. In addition, the Museum is also host of the longest running antique boat show, which will celebrate its 51^st year this July 31-August 2. For more information, please visit the Museum’s website at abm.org.

STEAMBOATS SET TO ‘BLOW OFF STEAM’ AT ABM

CLAYTON, New York (June 11, 2015) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM) announced today that the Great International Steamboat Flotilla (GISF) returns to the Museum and 1000 Islands region for a fourth straight year beginning June 14 through June 20.

As in years past, steamboats will come and go from the ABM docks over the course of the week as the group enjoys the region, as well as the Museum. On Tuesday, June 16 from 5-6:30 p.m., the public is invited to come to the ABM for a free “meet and greet” event with the steamboat captains and have the opportunity to explore the steamboats more closely.

Approximately 8-10 steamboats will make the ABM their ‘homeport’ and they will once again be fueled by firewood provided locally by Hazlewood Mechanical and Wood Boat Brewery.

The ABM, now open daily 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., is home to North America’s largest antique boat collection with more than 300 boats and over 1,000 boating artifacts. In addition, the Museum is also host of the longest running antique boat show, which will celebrate its 51^st year this July 31-August 2. For more information, please visit the Museum’s website at abm.org.

FREE SAILING & ROWING PROGRAM SET TO RETURN

Courses also available in July/August

CLAYTON, New York (June 9, 2015) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today its free summer sailing and rowing opportunities for 2015.

Beginning on Tuesday, June 23, the ABM will kick-off its popular Tuesday Night Sailing & Rowing program. This free weekly event takes place June 23 through August 11 and begins each week at 5:30 p.m.

This program is open to the public and to those of all ages. No sailing experience is required. The ABM staff are the boat with visitors teaching you and guiding you through basic sailing technique.

Not interested in sailing, then give skiff rowing a try. St. Lawrence Skiff rowing is free daily at the Museum with paid admission, in addition to the Tuesday evening events.

Also, the ABM will again host a wide-range of sailing courses throughout the summer including adult, junior, teen, and advanced courses. Courses run throughout July and August. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information or to check availability, contact Julie Broadbent at 315-686-4104 ext 235.

The ABM, now open daily 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., is home to North America’s largest antique boat collection with more than 300 boats and over 1,000 boating artifacts. For more information, please visit the Museum’s website at abm.org.

1000 ISLANDS FAMILY DAY RETURNS ON JUNE 13, 2015

Special appearance by Watertown Bucks; Border agents to host panel discussion.

Big Catch during Family Day with Captain Jeff Garnsey

CLAYTON, New York (June 5, 2015) - The Antique Boat Museum (ABM) invites everyone to come to Clayton on Saturday, June 13, 2015 for a fun-filled day of activities.

The popular free admission 1000 Islands Family Day, brought you by Watertown Savings Bank, Fidelis Care, and 7News/Fox28, is set to take place at the ABM on June 13 and feature free admission all day as well as activities for the entire family between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

Activities will include free skiff rowing, $5 boat rides, food and beverages for a nominal fee, face painting, crafts, flyboard demonstrations, an appearance by the Watertown Bucks, and much more.

In addition, the ABM, along with US and Canadian border officials, will host their second annual panel discussion, Boating on the Border, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Canadian Border Services, U.S. Border Patrol, and other government entities will each introduce their organization's mission of work on the River. Boaters from both sides of the River are encouraged to come withquestions regarding: enforcement, any recent changes of policy, crossing procedures ("in transit," not stopping, anchoring for the day), what not to
have onboard your boat, and more. This is a good time to dispel myths and educate boaters about how to safely and legally navigate and enjoy both sides of the River along the international border.