CANTON — Following a successful kickoff along the St. Lawrence River last month, Open Doors to History continues Saturday, June 6 with a second regional weekend celebrating the people, places, and stories that shaped St. Lawrence County.

Part of the county’s America 250th commemoration, the June 6 experience highlights the River Valley Region with free and donation-based access to museums, historic sites, churches, cultural spaces, and community landmarks across Canton, DeKalb, Gouverneur, Hermon, Madrid, Potsdam, and Rensselaer Falls.

Designed as a three-part regional series, Open Doors to History encourages residents and visitors to explore different corners of the county throughout the summer, with each Saturday focused on a different geographic region and collection of participating sites.

Some locations will feature on-site historians and volunteers sharing local stories and artifacts, while others are open for self-guided exploration. Many participating locations will also offer exhibits, photo opportunities, light refreshments, and other special touches throughout the day.

Sites participating Saturday, June 6 include:

•   Canton: Historian’s Office, St. Lawrence County Center for History & Culture, and several St. Lawrence County Buildings including the Old Sheriff's House, Surrogates Building (original 1873 Town Clerk's Office), and SLC Courthouse
•   DeKalb: Old Meeting House Museum
•   Gouverneur: Gouverneur Museum
•   Hermon: Hermon History Center (followed by self guided tours of), Hepburn Library of Hermon, McBrier Keystone Arch Bridge, Edwin Merton McBrier Park, Hermon Methodist Church, First Baptist Church of Hermon Historic Clock Tower
•   Madrid: Fort Tribute at St. Lawrence Power and Equipment Museum
•   Potsdam: Potsdam Public Museum, Trinity Church, Satterlee Hall at SUNY Potsdam
•   Rensselaer Falls: Rensselaer Falls Museum

Participating locations, hours, and special features may vary by site, with updated hours and information provided by participating locations at www.STLC250.com.

“We are excited to continue showcasing Open Doors to History and the incredible work happening in communities across St. Lawrence County to preserve and share local stories and places,” said Tiffani Amo, Director of Tourism for St. Lawrence County. “We are grateful to have the support of our St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators, especially those on the 250th Commission including Jim Reagan, Margaret Haggard, and Rita Curran, who continue to help bring to life exciting new forms of heritage tourism programming across the county.”

The series concludes Saturday, July 4 in the Adirondack Foothills Region with another lineup of participating communities and historic locations. 

Open Doors to History is part of St. Lawrence County’s America 250th initiative, developed in collaboration between the St. Lawrence County Historian’s Office and the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce tourism team on behalf of the St. Lawrence County 250th Commemorative Commission.

For questions or to participate in the July 4 series, contact Nancy LaFaver at NLaFaver@stlawco.gov.