NORWICH – As part of a statewide effort to present history in a new light, the three museums that make up the local Museum District on Rexford Street in Norwich are working together to promote historical tourism in the area and spotlight Chenango County as a key figure in the evolution of New York.
In 2012, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the creation of the New York State Path Through History, an initiative to promote NYS tourism and economic development by accentuating hundreds of museums, parks, galleries and other destinations that tell the story of New York and the role it has played in the nation’s history. This year, Path Through History Weekends will be recognized throughout the state on June 1-2 and June 8-9; and the Norwich Museum District - comprised of the Northeast Classic Car Museum, the Bullthistle Model Railroad Society, and the Chenango County Historical Society - is marking the occasion by offering a three-museum pass for local history buffs.
“We feel this is a good opportunity for the public to know that these museums are right here in Norwich and what they are all about,” explained Phil Fairchild, president of the Bullthistle Model Railroad Society. Museum Weekend passes can be purchased at any of the three museums for $11, which includes admission to all three and a custom map of each.
The Bullthistle has specially extended its hours to commemorate the event, Fairchild said. The museum will be open daily from 1 to 4 p.m. from June 1-15, and spotlight five functioning model railroad layouts.
The feature display at the Bullthistle, added Fairchild, is an exhibit of the Ontario & Western yard that once operated where the Norwich High School is currently located. “We have made some of the original buildings and what they used to look like so people can see very similar to what it used to look like in Norwich,” he said.
Likewise, the Chenango County Historical Society has extended its hours for Museum Week to present museum-goers with the story and the rich heritage that has helped shape the area, from its roots in agriculture to modern industry. The museum will be open seven days a week, weekends included, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from June 1-15.
While hours may not have changed at the Northeast Classic Car Museum, organizers are hoping a discounted rate will bring people in to see all the museum has to offer. “We are very glad to be partnering with the Chenango County Historical Society and the Bullthistle Model Railroad Society, and we look forward to a successful event,” said Phil Giltner, president of the board of directors for the Classic Car Museum. “This is a nice beginning to developing a thriving museum district and we look forward to many more partnerships with these great museums. We are especially proud to be part of the I Love New York Museum Week and Path Through History Weekends.”
Passes for Museum Week are available now through June 15. For additional information, contact the Bullthistle Model Railroad Society, the Chenango County Historical Society or the Northeast Classic Car Museum, or visit paththroughhistoryweekends.com.