A Centennial Exhibit: Manufacturing & Commerce
     March 13 to August 17, 2008
In honor of the 100th anniversary of the City of Glens Falls, the Chapman Historical Museum will feature the exhibition, Building Blocks of a Community: Manufacturing and Commerce, from March 13th to August 17th, 2008.

A walk down the streets of Glens Falls in 1908 would reveal a city bustling with activity and a thriving entrepreneurial spirit. Visitors will discover the history of local businesses from small, family owned operations to larger, industrial corporations. Through photographs and historic artifacts they will experience -- the neighborhood grocer selling fine regional produce and imported delicacies, the clothing merchant offering the latest in tailored fashions and newly available “ready-to-wear” apparel lines, and the hardware dealer providing staple goods to keep home and business running smoothly.

They also will find flourishing hotels eager to accommodate the emerging motor traveler; financial firms ready to meet enterprising needs; and manufacturers establishing national and global reputations for goods of the highest quality. Many people will quickly recognize names still open for business to this day, carrying on a one hundred year old tradition of success.

Visitors to the exhibit will also gain an understanding of how technological innovations such as electricity, telephones, public transportation, and the automobile influenced daily life and the commercial landscape. On their journey they will see what a vibrant and diverse community Glens Falls enjoyed in its proud past and be inspired as they look forward to a bright future.

The exhibit is funded by grants from the Leo Cox Beach Philanthropic Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency. Major sponsors include: Finch Paper, Glens Falls National Bank, and Miller Mechanical Services.

S. R. Stoddard's Home & Studio
     May 6 to August 30
These rare photographs take us into Seneca Ray Stoddard’s home and place of business located on Elm Street in Glens Falls. Included are images of living spaces as well as photos of his office and studio where his assistants produced the thousands of prints that made the photographer famous. Most intriguing are the details, for hanging throughout his home and office are his favorite photographs and the objects that surrounded his everyday life.