Recent Donations
Aqua Lung Certificate
This certificate is associated with regulator was made in celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Aqua-Lung SCUBA system and was presented by Jacques Yves Cousteau, chairman of the boat of the Aqua-Lung company.
Aqua-Master Regulator
This golden royal aqua-master regulator was made in celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Aqua Lung SCUBA system and was presented by Jacques Yves Cousteau, chairman of the board of the Aqua Lung company.
Canal Courier 1967 Newspaper
Single copy of Canal Courier newspaper dated 1967 including chronology of major events in American history, mostly around the Erie Canal, from 1777-1967; several transcriptions of experiences of those living or working on canal boats; stories reprinted from earlier newspapers about events and activities related to canal operations. Canal Courier was a publication of the Canal Society of New York State. This edition was compiled for an event of that organization (the launch of Erie Maid, a houseboat which traveled on the canal in 1967 to share the history of the region).
Champlain Anniversary Program
Object 2025.005.002 is a Champlain Anniversary Program from the 350th Champlain Anniversary Festival.
Fragment, Royal Savage
This wood fragment is presumed to be a piece of Royal Savage (one of the Colonial gunboats which sunk during the Battle of Valcour Bay, October 11, 1776). The label on it, however, is inconsistent. It reads, "From The ROYAL SAVAGE Sunk off Plattsburg N.Y. 1812 Presented by N.B. Fisk."
Gavel
Royal Savage Gavel, deaccessioned from the Collection of the Westfield Athenaeum, Westfield, MA. Tag #8904 “Mallet from Royal Savage Warship sunk on Lake Champlain”
Glass cocktail plates
Objects 2025.005.001-011 are eleven (11) 350th Champlain Celebration glass cocktail plates made for the 350th Champlain Anniversary Festival. The plates are approximately 4"x6".
Historic Illustration of Ruins of Ft. Ticonderoga
One (1) historic illustration labeled "South End of Lake Champlain with Ruins of Fort Ticonderoga" The illustration is split in half after damage from folding.
Metal label
One (1) metal label engraved with the words "Essex Marine Base, Essex, N.Y. Home of Champlain Sail-About"
Outboard Motor
One (1) Johnson Outboard Motor
Photograph of Essex Marine Base
Photograph of Essex Marine Base
Photograph of Essex Marine Base
Photograph of Essex Marine Base
Photograph of Essex Marine Base
Photograph of Essex Marine Base
Photograph of Essex Marine Base
Photograph of Essex Marine Base
Railroad Switch Lock
This lock was used to secure the mechanisms that switched railroad tracks in rural areas. It was found near Port Kent Beach in Port Kent, NY ca. 1950-1960. Based on the location of the artifact's recovery, it was likely associated with the rail line on a hill above the beach. The lock is marked with a British crown and the letters VR (Victoria Regina). This British monarch reigned from 1837-1901, helping to further date the object. Locks like these were typically used in the latter half of the 19th century.
Roosevelt Ferry Sign
Sign on thick paper advertising the Roosevelt Ferry on Lake Champlain, promising travelers that it "saves 50 miles."
Rum Runner Model
1/16th model of a Rum Runner boat. Built by R. Pierce Reid from a plastic kit from the Model Shipways Company. Plank on frame style kit. Reid added multiple components to this kit including a miniature Curtis engine, a muffler, as well as many bottles and crates with intricately printed labels.
Shonnard photograph collection
Objects 2025.009.002-019 are eighteen (18) historical images, some in color and others in black and white. These images show people fishing, both in boats and on land, and help portray life on the waters of Lake Champlain.
Side Wheel "Champlain" Photograph
One (1) 4x6" reproduction of an historic image showing the wrecked Champlain II near Westport, NY, 1875. Around the image are notes about the image, similar to a scrapbook entry.
