The Fort Plain Museum is taking the lead in organizing a new marketing association for the Mohawk Valley’s numerous 18th century historic sites. The new association will work to promote eight historic sites in western Montgomery County all within 4 to 6 miles of Exit 29 on the New York State Thruway.
Billed as “Mohawk Country, America’s First Frontier” the association’s first marketing effort has targeted the month of July.
The association is also expected to work to improve the visitor experience by working with historic sites to update exhibits and train site interpreters. Re-enactors in period dress, employed as tour guides, along with self-guided cell phone tours are also in the works. “If successful the association will begin the process of transforming the middle Mohawk Valley into a heritage tourist destination,” a press release announcing the group’s formation said.
“Since the demise of the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission there has been no single association working to promote historic preservation and heritage tourism. We hope to fill that void”, said Fort Plain Museum Chairman Norm Bollen. “Preserving our heritage both public and private while working to bring tourists into the region to eat in our restaurants and spend money in our stores is just good business.”
The initial start-up group includes the Fort Plain Museum, Fort Klock, Isaac Paris House, Nellis Tavern, Van Alstyne Homestead, Stone Arabia Church, Palatine Church and the Margaret Reaney Library.
For more information on Mohawk Country contact Norm Bollen at (518) 423-3701 or e-mail mohawkcountryusa@yahoo.com.
Don’t overlook Schenectady’s Historic Stockade Neighborhood, the Schenectady County Historical Association and the association’s Mabee Farm, the westernmost place for meeting travelers on foot or on the Mohawk River.
interesting history there