The Chenango County Historical Society is an organization in Norwich, NY, devoted to preserving the history of Chenango County. The Norwich campus consists of the Ward No. 2 Schoolhouse, where the museum is housed, the James S. Flanagan Research Center, Loomis Barn and the Miller Pavilion. The Historical Society hosts various events covering local historical events and topics. The organization publishes an annual academic journal documenting historical events.
  Location within New York | |
| Location | 45 Rexford St., Norwich, NY |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°32′15″N 75°31′10″W / 42.537516181575015°N 75.5195738324598°W |
| Type | Community museum |
| Executive director | Jessica Moquin |
| Historian | Henry J. Drexler |
| Nearest parking | On site (no charge) |
| Website | chenangohistorical |
History edit
CCHS was first established in 1939. In 1956, the organization received an absolute charter from New York State.[1]
The Ward No. 2 schoolhouse was rewarded to CCHS by the county supervisors in 1958.[2] The building was renovated immediately afterward. In 1962, the museum was reopened, housing various antiquities from the Central New York region. The Historical Society acquired the Ross Schoolhouse in Preston, the Loomis Barn and the Chenango Canal building.[1]
The Journal of the Chenango County Historical Society debuted in 2012, with a new edition published annually during the summer.[3]
CCHS celebrated its 80th anniversary at the Chenango County Courthouse.[4]
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the organization to adopt online only exhibits and events. It briefly offered invite only visits in November of that year, before closing again.[5]
CCHS commissioned a series of short online videos documenting the experiences of former students who attended the schoolhouse before its closure.[6] On November 21, 2021, the organization celebrated the 125th anniversary of the building’s construction.[7] On December 22, the organization received $49,500 from the New York State Council on the Arts.[8]
Collections edit
The museum hosts seasonal exhibits in the Community Gallery. Notable exhibits include the works of local artist Alice Hudson.[9]
The Commerce Gallery houses manufactured pharmaceuticals from the Norwich Pharmacal Company[10] and historical objects from NBT Bank’s Norwich headquarters.[11]
Notable objects preserved by the Historical Society include an original Mickey Mouse undergarment made in Norwich during World War II, a Norwich Piano from the 20th century and various products from the Norwich Pharmacal Company, including Pepto-Bismol and Unguentine.[12]
References edit
- ^ a b "Chenango County Historical Society & Museum | History, Travel, Arts, Science, People, Places Smithsonian Magazine". www.smithsonianmag.com. Retrieved 2022-02-28.
- ^ Shinners, Louise S. (2014). The City of Norwich 1914-1964. Norwich, NY: Chenango County Historical Society. p. 27.
- ^ "Area News: Jan. 21, 2022". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2022-02-28.
- ^ Karikehalli, Shweta (November 18, 2019). "Historical society to mark 80th anniversary". The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 2022-02-28. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
- ^ Murphy, Tyler (February 8, 2021). "PROGRESS 2021 – Chenango County Historical Society: Lighthouse For Local History". The Evening Sun. Archived from the original on 2022-02-28. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
- ^ Stevens, Alan (August 20, 2021). "Historical Society Making Documentary About Ward School 2 In Norwich". The Evening Sun. Archived from the original on 2022-02-28. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
- ^ Ladstatter, Alex (November 18, 2021). "Norwich school building to celebrate 125th anniversary". WBNG. Archived from the original on 2021-11-18. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
- ^ Ladstatter, Alex (December 22, 2021). "'It's Affirming': Chenango County Historical Society Receives State Funding". WBNG. Archived from the original on 2021-12-22. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
- ^ "Chenango historians to mark 'Path Through History'". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2022-02-28.
- ^ Golden, Brian (September 17, 2010). "Historical Society Unveils Norwich Pharmacal Exhibit". The Evening Sun. Archived from the original on 2015-09-08. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
- ^ White, Matthew (October 13, 2016). "Chenango Historical Society Unveils NBT Exhibit". The Evening Sun. Archived from the original on 2022-02-28. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
- ^ Cuccinello, Karen McLaughlin (2021). Historic New York: A Tour of More Than 120 of the State's Top National Landmarks. pp. 68–69.