The purpose of the Historic Vestibule is to illuminate our local history, by making it visible and accessible. Our exhibits reveal and celebrate the unique holdings of our Historian as well as featuring artifacts loaned by townspeople.

Similar to many small towns in the Hudson Valley, Ancram’s historic archives are secured under lock and key, in the files of our Town Historian. Some artifacts are singular treasures; such as a large hand-painted vintage banner from one of our one-room schoolhouses.  Other relics are more ephemeral, but equally deserving of preservation. Railroad time tables, a fragile embroidery pattern, a menu from a long-ago church supper. Photographs and ledgers.  Maps and newspaper clippings.  All of these keepsakes and more tell the story of our small rural town on the southern tip of Columbia County.

Using a previously-unused space in our Town Hall, we created a pocket-sized local history museum and exhibition space.   Thanks to the talents of local contractors and craftsmen, the vestibule was re-imagined and transformed into a warm welcoming space, featuring new lighting, rustic barn-board walls, a hand-stenciled floor, glass display case, and signage.  A photographic frieze of both vintage and recent images by Ancram photographer B Docktor encircles the space and provides a permanent touch of color and legacy to the installation.

Our past exhibits have included:

• One-Room Schoolhouses
• Railroads
• Family Farms
• Conservation & Natural Resources
• Ancram Veterans

The debut of each new exhibit includes a town gathering with refreshments, a program of speakers and entertainment, and an opportunity to come together and celebrate local history, the common thread that connects all members of our community.

– Ancram Historic Resources Committee

Photographs by B. Docktor