The story began during the winter of 1963-64 when a group of residents gathered at McCormick's Restaurant on Riverside Drive.  Vince Dee, Gordon Cerow, Helene Cobb, Jackie Vrooman and Larry Balcom recognized the importance of preserving local history and took the initial steps to make the museum a reality.

In April, the New York State Education Department issued a provisional charter for the organization on July 4, 1964, the Thousand Islands Museum opened its doors at the Town Hall.  That summer the first classic boat show was held.  Little did the group realize what an exceptional institution and tradition they had created.

Over the next several years a Heritage Tea, an Art Show and an Antique Show and Sale were added to the annual Antique Boat Show.  Vince Dee became the first museum president and the T.I. Museum Craft School opened on the second floor under the direction of Emily Post and Jean Holt.  By 1967, the museum research library was being planned, and on February 27th, the NYS Education Department issued an absolute charter, making the museum fully accredited.  In 1968 a special exhibit put on by Gordon Bennet and Harold Herrick would lead to the annual Decoy and Wildlife Art Show.  In 1970, the Muskie Hall of Fame opened under the leadership of Ed Bannister.

To accommodate its varied and growing exhibits, the Museum set up divisions, including the Craft School and the Shipyard Museum in the late 1960's.  Each division ultimately became an independent entity.  The Shipyard, now the Antique Boat Museum, would receive its absolute charter in 1986, and the Craft School, now the Handweaving Museum & Arts Center, in 1990.

Over the years the events and programs that help define the Thousand Islands Museum increased in number and quality.  A quilt show, a gem show, model boat show and Christmas Festival of Trees added to the lengthy list of activities.  Educational presentations are made to groups as varied as Elderhostels and elementary schools.  Hashing Over History in the winter months and History at Noon in the summer have grown in popularity.

Today the museum at 312 James Street presents a modern gallery of permanent and rotating exhibits on the first floor along with a gift shop.  The second floor houses an extensive research library, administrative offices and storage area.  The library, under the guidance of Janet Collins, includes documents, clippings, scrapbooks, photos, maps, books and printed local histories.  It is a valuable resource for students, professionals, historians and scholars.  Linda Schleher executive director since 1994, oversees the daily operation with the help of many dedicated volunteers.  Stop by to visit, and perpared to stay awhile.  You have discovered on of the area's best kept secrets.

The Thousand Islands Museum, Inc., is a not for profit educational organization whose primary purpose is to collect, preserve, record and exhibit geographical artifacts from the Clayton and St. Lawrence River area to include but no limited to commerce, agriculture, hunting and fishing.

Museum Overview:

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in downtown Clayton, the T.I. Museum houses special exhibits of world-class muskies and hunting decoys from the past and present. The Museum Gallery offers history of life along the St. Lawrence and the archival resource room is open for research of river heritage.

The Thousand Islands Museum is a non-profit educational facility established in 1964 and is located on James Street. It preserves a collection of artifacts from the St. Lawrence River, Clayton and the Thousand Islands Region.

This organization sponsors the annual Decoy & Wildlife Art Show & Model Boat show held at the Clayton Recreation Park Arena. This show is nationally renowned and holds a number of competitions during the show including a hunting decoy contest, gunning rig contest and painting contest. Thousands attend each year to view nationally known wildlife carvers and artists. The organization also sponsors many other events like the Christmas Festival, Hogs & Hot Rods Poker Run, Chicken BBQ and more.

The annual summer History At Noon Program is held in the local community room of the senior housing and the Hashing Over History Program is held in the research library of the museum during the winter months.
 

Officers 2010:

Mike Strouse, President
Dr. John Eppolito, Vice-President
Marcia Campany, Secretary
Mary Scudera, Treasurer

Directors:

Tom Humberstone
Bob King
Ron Mayer
Lynn Miller
Rae Patterson
Pete Strouse