The Neversink Valley Area Museum, a significant establishment in the region, is deeply committed to preserving and documenting the rich history of the Neversink and Shawangunk valleys in New York’s Catskill region. The museum, situated in historic canal-era buildings in the D&H Canal Park along the picturesque Neversink River, offers a compelling insight into the local heritage.
With a keen focus on the commerce and technologies that shaped the area, the museum delves into the transformation of society from an agricultural to an industrial one during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its mission to interpret this history and connect it to the broader global context sets it apart as a valuable educational resource.
In addition to captivating exhibitions, the museum hosts a diverse range of educational activities tailored for both children and adults, ensuring that the stories of the past continue to resonate in the present. As a private, non-profit organization, the Neversink Valley Area Museum is a beacon of cultural preservation and historical enrichment for its community and beyond.
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Museum
Of course, the Neversink Valley Area Museum has many fascinating objects and artifacts. Our collections bring alive the history of the Neversink Valley, the building of the D&H Canal, and how life was lived by those who traveled it. However, they also have a research library and a collection of silent films made in the area.
Library
The second-floor library in the Leura Murray Center is open to all scholars, students, and visitors. It has research material, including books, magazines, newsletters, maps, photographs, and other source material on the D&H Canal and other local history topics. The library is open during Museum hours and other times by appointment.
D&H Canal
Thirty percent of the total collection consists of artifacts relating directly to the D&H Canal. This well-rounded collection of artifacts emphasizes the section of the canal in the Town of Deerpark and includes a large collection of photographs specifically of the section of canal in the D&H Canal Park, other original canal photographs, postcards produced at the turn of the century. Also on display are artifacts from actual canal boats, such as rudders, tillers, a canal boat tool box and bilge pumps. There are numerous canal boat models. Hardware from canal locks and eight foot granite snubbing posts are some of the artifacts from the canal itself. Tools used in building the canal and its boats, such as hammers, picks, digging scoops and caulking hammers tell the story of how the canal was built in only three years, without the use of modern equipment.
The Museum also includes artifacts and information related to Neversink Valley History, local trades, farming, furnishings, and the history of the early film industry that flourished in the area.
The D&H Canal Park and the Neversink Valley Area Museum are located along the banks of the beautiful Neversink River. Plan to take a day trip or plan a weekend to explore the natural beauty and fascinating history of Orange County. Make Neversink Valley Area Museum a part of your destination.
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