The War of 1812 Museum, operated by the Battle of Plattsburgh Association, has announced the hiring of a new museum manager. Dave Deno, a native of Plattsburgh will be taking the helm as of January 6th, 2014. Deno replaces departing museum manager Tammy Brown, who has left to take a sales position with Essex Pallet and Pellet Company of Keeseville, N.Y.
Deno studied at Clinton Community College and earned a Bachelor’s of Art Degree in History from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2009. He has recently been working toward the establishment of a new Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum which is expected to open Saturday, June 7, 2014.
Deno will take over the day-to-day operation of the museum and the association. “Our region has played a part in just about every major military conflict that the United States has been involved in,” Deno said in a statement released on the Facebook page of the Adirondack Coast Cultural Alliance. “By looking at our own history and its role in national and international historical events, it’s easier for us as a community to make connections and relate to those events. These connections are what help us learn about history and allow us to become more historically mindful of what goes on around us.”
Deno says his goals include increasing volunteer recruitment, and diversifying income. A top priority, he says, “is to continue to prepare for the upcoming Bi-centennial so that our history can continue to be honored in a way we can be proud of.”
The War of 1812 Museum, located in Plattsburgh, is dedicated to exploring the causes and effects of the War of 1812 and the Battle of Plattsburgh. The museum is run by the Battle of Plattsburgh Association.
Good luck on your new assignment. The War of 1812 is one of the least understood parts of New York history and now that its Bicentennial is upon us it is particularly important that it be appropriately remembered.
Particularly unknown and likely to be ignored are events in New York City relating to the War. On August 10, 1814, when the British were threatening to invade the City, Col. Marinus Willett, the 72 year old hero of the Battle of Fort Stanwix gave one of the greatest unknown speeches in American history from the steps of New York’s newly constructed City Hall, in which he rallied the New York Militia’s to defend the City. Although I know your base is upstate, is there any consideration being given to reenacting his speech on its Bicentennial of August 10, 2014 (which is a Sunday)?