Press Release: NYS, July 11, 2004

Governor George E. Pataki today joined numerous local, State and Federal officials and members of the public to break ground on the construction of the new Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks (NHMA) in Tupper Lake, located in Franklin County. The $20 million facility will provide visitors with state-of-the-art exhibits highlighting the history and diverse array of natural resources of the Adirondack region.

"For centuries, the Adirondacks have helped define the natural character of New York and the United States," Governor Pataki said. "The region is home to pristine forests, abundant lakes and waterways, and a variety of wildlife and ecosystems that inspire hundreds of thousands of individuals and families to visit this area each year. Establishing the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks is a key element in the revitalization of the entire region and represents another historic initiative aimed at honoring the unique natural, historical and cultural resources of the Adirondacks.

"Over the last 10 years, we've preserved more than 500,000 acres of land within the Park, which has opened up new and exciting opportunities for recreation and exploration, while ensuring that these same lands will be enjoyed by future generations," the Governor said. "This Museum will build on our efforts to protect the natural character of the region, while helping to strengthen the economy and create news jobs and tourism-related economic opportunities for residents."

Located on 31 acres in Tupper Lake, on the Raquette River, the 35,000-square-foot main building is expected to draw in excess of 100,000 visitors each year. The museum will feature a surround sound movie theatre, a glacier wall, an introductory lean-to, seminar areas, a café and store. A "living river" will flow through the Museum itself, surrounding the main exhibit hall on three sides, and will include a marsh, a 20-foot high waterfall and 10-foot deep aquariums. Outdoor features will include an observation tower, trails, natural amphitheater, and picnic area. More than 100 scientists are consulting with the Museum on the design and content of the exhibits.

U.S. Rep. John M. McHugh said, "After more than five years of hard work, and an extensive capital campaign, today's groundbreaking is a momentous occasion. This new state-of-the-art facility is a win-win for the entire North Country -- providing educational opportunities for visitors and residents alike, and promoting economic development that's critical to this region. I am thrilled to have been part of a project that will have such a significant impact on Tupper Lake and neighboring Adirondack communities."

Senator Betty Little said "This museum, from conception to completion, can serve as a model of success for similar projects throughout the country. Through the support and cooperation of Governor Pataki, the Board of Directors and the thousands of financial contributors, we will have a first-class museum that will attract tourists and educate visitors on the natural wonders of the Adirondacks. This new jewel will be enjoyed for generations to come."

Assemblyman Chris Ortloff said, "I took great pleasure today in seeing the ground broken for the new Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks in Tupper Lake. The plans for this museum are spectacular, and they possess the uniqueness and beauty of the Adirondacks, the very natural wonder the museum will highlight. I thank Governor Pataki for his commitment to preserving this jewel we call the Adirondacks, and I also thank each and every person involved in raising the more than $15 million needed to make the groundbreaking a reality."

Sandra Strader, Mayor of the Village of Tupper Lake said, "I am quite excited about the ground breaking of the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks. This has been the corner stone for many new businesses coming to Tupper Lake. The Natural History Museum will put Tupper Lake on the map. It is great for our residents and surrounding areas to have this museum in our back yard and it will bring people in from all over the country. The museum stands for the Three E's: Education, Environment and Economy, all three of which will enhance the Village and Town of Tupper Lake."

Gregory LaFrance, Supervisor of the Town of Altamont, said, "I agree that the museum is a great asset to our community and is going to make the Village of Tupper Lake the Crossroads of the Adirondacks and a destination for people through out New York State. It will also improve the quality of living for the residents of Tupper Lake."

Obie Clifford, Museum board president, said, "This is a day that will be marked in Adirondack history. The Adirondacks are being recognized by leading scientists as perhaps the most important experiment on earth where people are learning how we can do a better job of living side-by-side with nature. While today marks the start of construction of the Museum building, it also marks the day we start to build what we call a six-million-acre Museum, where people can explore every aspect of the natural world we are all a part of."

Betsy Lowe, Project Director of the Museum, said "We set out six years ago to get to this day. I can't start to thank everyone who has helped. We've been lucky to have the support of our elected officials, to have found world-class project designers, really dedicated experienced staff and consultants and a talented Board of Trustees who encouraged us to raise the bar at every opportunity, and then helped us raise the money so we could jump over that bar."

Today's groundbreaking also featured the arrival of Museum flags that have been flown throughout the six-million acre park by local residents to symbolize the natural stories to be presented in the Museum.

The concept for the Museum originated in 1998 and in 1999, the Museum was incorporated and a provisional charter from New York State awarded. The facility is intended to compliment the Adirondack Park Agency's Visitor Interpretive Centers and the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake and serve as a major tourist attraction for the region. The mission of the Museum is to inspire a broad public understanding of the natural systems that shape and sustain life in the Adirondacks.

In July of 2001, Governor Pataki announced a $2.5 million State grant for the construction of the Museum. In addition, the Franklin County Empire Zone Administrative Board and Empire State Development have jointly approved $444,750 in Empire Zone Capital Credits to assist the Museum in its fundraising efforts. To date, the Museum has raised more than $15 million of its $20 million capital goal. The museum is expected to be completed in 2006.

The Museum is already in operation through its numerous public outreach programs and through regular features in Natural History magazine. More than 1,500 students in the North Country have participated in NHMA's "Wild Classroom," which teaches students about the environment. In addition, as part of its major partnership with the Central Park Conservancy, Museum staff have presented thousands of New York City children with a chance to see a piece of the Adirondacks through ongoing Adirondack programs in Central Park.

The design and construction of the Museum is being lead by the architectural firm Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum (HOK), best known for their work on baseball parks such as the Baltimore Oriole's Camden Yards and Jacob's Field in Cleveland. The firm's recent museum work includes the new Darwin Centre at the Natural History Museum of London and the new wing of the National Air and Space Museum, located near Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C.

The six million-acre Adirondack Park, a mix of public and private lands, is the largest park in the lower 48 states. It is home to more than 135,000 residents living in more than 100 towns, villages and hamlets. The region draws millions of visitors each year. Within the Park is the Adirondack Forest Preserve, comprising more than 2.5 million acres of State-owned, constitutionally protected lands.

State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said, "Governor Pataki has always recognized the need for protecting the unrivaled natural resources found in the Adirondacks. Because of his vision, the majestic landscape of this area will be enjoyed by generations of New Yorkers. Years from now, this museum will be enjoyed by residents and visitors to the North Country, as more and more people will gain an appreciation for the unmatched beauty of the Adirondack region."

Under Governor Pataki's leadership, New York State has protected more than 780,000 acres of valuable open space statewide - an area roughly the size of the state of Rhode Island - including nearly 500,000 acres in the Adirondack Park.