EXHIBITIONS

A trip down memory lane when, after World War II, Lake George changed from a summer-long resort for the wealthy few to a place where everyone could come by car for a two-week vacation.

“Welcome to Lake George” documents that transformation through colorful displays that highlight motels and cabin colonies, nightlife, waterfront recreation, tourist attractions and the coming of the Adirondack Northway. The 1954 Governor’s Conference at the Sagamore, Diane Struble’s length-of-the-lake swim and the opening of now iconic attractions receive special attention, as do the popularity of western themed dude ranches and the pervasive influence of the automobile on tourism and popular culture. Throughout the summer, guest speakers will present engaging programs that delve into several of the exhibition’s themes.

Among the features is the exhibition Distinctive Fashions for Gracious Living, a collection of 21 evening gowns and dresses donated by the late Patricia Bixby Hoopes, all of which exemplify the buoyant spirit of the era.

Every Memorial Day weekend the museum launches a new exhibition in the East Gallery on a topic or theme related to Bolton; what we now call Bolton, Bolton Landing, Lake George, Lake George Basin, and the southern Adirondacks; temporary exhibitions on view daily through the second weekend of October.

A major renovation to the Sanctuary space of our historic Blessed Sacrament Church is in its early phases, and when completed will house rotating permanent exhibitions drawn from our Permanent Collections. Until the renovation is complete, we also present temporary exhibitions in the North Transept Gallery: exhibitions related thematically to the current exhibition in the East Gallery.