The Sackets Harbor Historical Society office is located in the renovated bank building’s annex (on the right side of the photo).

The Story of the Sackets Harbor Historical Society

The Sackets Harbor Historical Society was started in the mid-1970s by a core group of residents determined to preserve the historic buildings in Sackets Harbor and to help revitalize the community. The Historical Society was formally chartered by the New York State Department of Education in 1976, and was granted charitable status under section 501(c)(3) by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service soon thereafter.

The Historical Society began its work by acquiring the ruinous 1834 Bank Building on the corner of Main and Broad Streets and restoring it to its former self. The Bank Building currently houses the Sackets Harbor branch of Watertown Savings Bank and the Historical Society’s office and exhibit gallery. In a prime example of non-profit collaboration, the office and administrative staff is shared with the Sackets Harbor Chamber of Commerce. The successful completion of the rehabilitation of that historically and economically critical building was an inspiring example of how the re-adaptive reuse of Sackets Harbor’s buildings could revive the Village.

Our preservation efforts continued in the 1990s, when the Historical Society purchased the 1809 Samuel F. Hooker House to save it from proposed demolition. Located in the heart of Sackets Harbor’s business district, that historic building was one of the last eyesores on West Main Street, badly in need of rehabilitation. In partnership with the Arts Association of Northern New York (AANNY), the Historical Society renovated the Samuel F. Hooker House, which now serves as AANNY’s Arts Center.

Most recently, the Historical Society acquired the former Christ Episcopal Church. Constructed in 1823, it is one of the oldest churches in the North Country. It’s our intent to preserve the former church (now called the “Old Stone Chapel”) to the greatest extent possible and use it as a community cultural center.

Through building rehabilitation, the Historical Society preserves historic structures and heritage sites. The Historical Society hosts and develops programs, forums, and events, and produces educational materials and exhibits to present our community heritage in the Village of Sackets Harbor and Town of Hounsfield. We promote our cultural heritage through our Concerts on the Waterfront and Porch Music Fest. Our members, volunteers, and donors help make these activities possible, and we appreciate their support and commitment.

Mission

The mission of the Sackets Harbor Historical Society is to preserve and promote the historical, architectural, and cultural legacy of our community.

Board of Directors and Officers

David Altieri, President
Glenn Shepard, Vice President
Karyn Carbone, Secretary
Donna Collins
Kate Griffin
Bill Landers
Randy Pitkin
Jamie Hubbard
Randy Archer
Larry Barone

Organizational Documents

Meeting Info

The Board of Directors meets regularly on the second Thursday of every month, at 5:00 pm, in the conference room at the Watertown Savings Bank building. All are welcome to attend.