skenesborough museum

I came across a tidbit that the United States Navy got it's start in this tiny northern New York town, so I hunted down the museum which could tell me more about it. The venue gets it's name from what Whitehall was originally called at it's founding in 1759. Many of the exhibits deal with the local history of the area (focusing on the War for Independence, and the War of 1812), as well as thinks which showed how life was life during all the periods the town went through.I liked the display about the how American colonists captured British ships in the area, and used them a short time later in battle (which was the first outing of the US Navy). There was also some information about the first overseas actions (dealing with the Barbary Pirates).Outside the museum are the ruins of U.S.S. Ticonderoga, which was pulled from the bottom of the canal. Nice to look at, and a wire-mesh fence keeps it from being climbed on by visitors. As this was a completely wooden ship, and it sits outside exposed to the harsh elements of the region, this really should have enclosure to protect it better.This would make a good day or afternoon trip for those in the area.

The museum is definitely worth a visit. It is a somewhat disjointed collection of artifacts and in this age of slick, high cost museums it might seem a little unprofessional but don't be thwarted by that impression. There is a wealth of information inside about how Benedict Arnold directed the building of America's first Navy fleet of war vessels and then confronted the British on Lake Champlain. There are lots of old maps and photos and a series of models that show what the boat building area looked like and how the boats were made. The admission fee is only $2.00 per person so its like a real incredible bargain. Just walk on down the street to see the locks and beyond the area represented by the museum. Very educational and good place for families.

We went to this small (but comprehensive) museum after visiting Fort Ticonderoga which turned out to compliment our visit to the Fort in ways that we could not have anticipated. As a museum of the first organized fleet of America's military most of the museum's exhibits revolved around the same time period of Fort Ticonderoga and all of the majors wars fought during the 1700's in this area. The museum is located in Whitehall, NY. The town is small now but it was once a bustling hub of ship building activity and gateway to Lake Champlain and Fort Ticonderoga. The history of this small but important town was fascinating.

I don't even know where to begin. Took my mom (military veteran) and sister (navy veteran) to see the "birthplace of the navy". Instead of finding a neat and well kept museum and grounds, we found an abandoned museum and neglected grounds. I was shocked and appalled. It appeared as if everyone had just closed up shop, never to return. Buildings were neglected, becoming overgrown with plants and weeds. How can the birthplace of the navy, in one of the most powerful countries in the world, allow this to happen. To add insult to injury, the neighborhood is run down and depressed. When we were admiring the memorial to veterans, a few local youths drove by and yelled something inappropriate. I would not return to this location. This is not a place for families.