Tuesday, March 26, 2013

A Piece of History A Case for Conservation



Featured Artifact: Ralph Savage painting “Origin of the Hudson River, No. 4”, painted in 1881. Donated by Mrs. Sydney Hammersley in 1972. This is one of only two Savage paintings in our collection.
Recently we had our two Savage paintings looked over by a conservator to get recommendations for their long term care. Both works of art need attention and we are presenting the larger painting of the two to our membership in search of some sponsors to help pay for the work needed. First I would like to tell you a little about Ralph Savage.
Ralph Asa Savage (1827-1904) was born in Nassau, NY and moved to Waterford around 1846, after serving as a printers’ apprentice for a Troy newspaper. He was inspired by the Hudson River School of painting and his works are prized among art collectors and museums around the country.
As a true artist Ralph made his living through various methods, including owning a photography studio (he even invented a photographic technique called a “Ralpotype”), a painting studio (he painted signs, banners, landscapes and more) and he also worked for the famous Button Fire Engine Company painting the engines. A Civil War veteran, Ralph lost the use of one eye in battle and still continued his art long after the war. Our Featured Artifact was painted about 16 years after the close of the war.
We know that Ralph Savage was a well respected artist in his day, as he won the patronage of many of Waterford’s leading citizens, not to mention prizes in competitions. Representing the largest body of widely respected and collected work of any Waterford artist , Ralph Savage is an important figure in Waterford’s past.
The painting itself is in good condition and most likely had some restoration work done prior to its donation to the museum in 1972. However, the frame in unstable and not correct to the piece. In order to properly stabilize, secure and display the painting we need to reframe it. The cost of purchasing a new period appropriate frame and having it mounted will cost around $1,500. The new frame will help to showcase this wonderful piece of art in a manner it was meant to be seen.
We are looking for a sponsor or sponsors to help fund this project– to save a true piece of Waterford’s history.
If you would like to donate toward our Conservation Fund, please send a check or money order to the Waterford Museum, Conservation Fund, 2 Museum Lane, Waterford, N.Y.


We have great news, Tim LaCroix, North Carolina ( Waterford Resident 1962-1977) has offered to match dollar for dollar any donation toward this project up to $750. If we reach the matching goal we will have the necessary funds to do the work.
Brad
Contact me at info@waterfordmuseum.com

Monday, March 18, 2013

Tuesday at 10 presentation about Irish Revolutions POSTPONED

Weather forecasts suggest that Tuesday morning's travel may be a bit dicey, so we are POSTPONING our Tuesday at 10 presentation about Irish Revolutions until another Tuesday (date to be determined). Check back to learn when we'll host this fascinating talk about the Fenian Brotherhood in Troy, Cohoes, and Waterford!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

FREE Movie Night Featuring Spielberg’s “Lincoln”


The Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center will be hosting a free movie night featuring Spielberg’s “Lincoln” at the Waterford-Halfmoon School Auditorium, 6:30pm on April 19th. Join us for this award winning depiction of Lincoln’s last three months in office. Refreshments will be on sale to benefit the museum.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Canal Clean Sweep at the Old Champlain Lock 4 Saturday, April 20th

Volunteers Needed to Help Clean Around Lock 4
Once again this year we will be joining forces with the NYS Canal Corporation and Parks and Trails New York by participating in their Canal Clean Sweep on Saturday, April 20th. Our project will be working on cleaning the area around old Lock #4 which is directly in front of the Museum. We will be meeting at 9:00 a.m. at the Museum.

Annual Pancake Breakfast

Annual Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, April 21st
Join us at our Annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, April 21st, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Waterford Civic Center. This is one of our major fundraising activities for the year. If you can’t come, please send a donation to help us meet our goal of $1,100.
Waterford Civic Center
Third Street,
in the Village of Waterford

Spring Day Trip to Johnson Hall State Historic Site and Old Fort Johnson in Johnstown, N.Y. Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center’s Spring Day Trip will be Tuesday, April 30, 2013. In the morning we will visit Johnson Hall State Historic Site and in the afternoon Old Fort Johnson. Both are in the Johnstown area.
Johnson Hall was the second home of Sir William Johnson, Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the 1700s. Sir William was the largest landowner in the Mohawk Valley and influenced the settlement of the Valley. He and his family were active during the French and Indian War.
Old Fort Johnson was the original limestone house built by Sir William Johnson. Today the Fort is a museum operated by the Montgomery County Historical Society.

Lunch: will be at the Union Hall Inn, a historic tavern, in Johnstown. It will be a hot buffet consisting of Lemon Chicken Francoise and Pan Seared Tips of Beef, Rice Pilaf, Chantilly Potatoes, Garden Green Salad, fresh assorted fruit slices, rolls, coffee, tea and dessert.

Departure: 8:30 a.m. from the rear parking lot across from the Wesleyan Church, 75 Grace Street, Northside, Waterford.
Approximate return to Waterford 4:30-5:00pm.

Cost: Current members- $80.00 - non-members $85.00. Price includes parking, motor coach transportation with Wade Tours, admission fees, guided tours and lunch.

Paid Reservations by April 5, 2013

Make reservations with Emily Wilson at 518-237-7122 before April 1st. Please make checks payable to the Waterford Historical Museum and mail directly to:
Emily Wilson, Treasurer
26 Columbus Ave., Waterford N. Y. 12188

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Great Turn Out for Trivia Night!

About 70 people joined us for our first ever Trivia Night at the Knights of Columbus on Friday, March 1st. It was a great success and received rave reviews on all of the surveys!