OGDENSBURG – It’s that time of year again when little bits of history are hanging from Christmas tree branches throughout the city.

The Greater Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce’ Historic Collectable Ornament for 2011 is the Old Arsenal.

The ornament features the Arsenal when it was commissioned. Each ornament is individually gift boxed and is inscribed: The Old Arsenal 2011.

The Old Arsenal, located at 100 Lafayette Street, was built in 1858 by New York State for use as an armory. General Schuyler F. Judd commanding the northern New York Militia was credited with getting the state to construct it during the administration of Governor John A. King.

The building originally housed cannons, muskets, sabers, and other paraphernalia of war.

It was purchased by the City of Ogdensburg on Nov. 25, 1873 for $1,450 and sold in 1960 to Frank A. Augsbury Jr. It now contains offices. Part of an old cannon remains on the North lawn.

Each year at EXPO the citizens of Ogdensburg vote on which bit of history they would like to see on an exclusive ornament made by Barlow Design and are gift boxed.

Past designs include The Lighthouse, Soldiers & Sailors Monument, Remington Museum, NYS Armory, City Hall and the Ogdensburg Prescott International Bridge.

The new The Old Arsenal collectable ornaments are on sale now at the chamber office in city hall for $18 each including tax.

A very limited amount of some of the other collectable ornaments are also available.

For more information, or to reserve your ornament please call Sandy Porter at the Chamber office at 393-3620.