To the Editor:

On Wednesday, July 26, at 4 p.m., the Altamont Free Library and Altamont Village Archives will host the unveiling of Altamont’s new Museum in the Streets in Orsini Park. A reception for patrons, dignitaries, and citizens who helped make this project possible will follow.

You have probably already noticed the lecterns and main map in Orsini Park. There are 27 sites in all, spread throughout the main part of the village. Take a tour of the sites and learn more about the village’s history. The Museum in the Streets project is a  self-guided walking tour of Altamont that provides insight into the unique and varied history and culture of this community.

The tour is designed as a bilingual historical and walking tour. The choice of Spanish is in recognition of the growing number of Spanish-speaking residents in the greater Capital Region.

Spanish language courses by far have the highest number of participation by our local school system's students. Enrollment in Spanish language courses in grades six through 12 represents more than twice any other foreign language enrollment. Spanish enrollment is 1,269; French is second with 565 enrolled students. Italian and German classes comprise 174 and 143 enrolled students respectively.

Of additional note, about 20 different world languages are spoken in the homes of our local students. The bilingual format also serves to recognize our place in a larger, more diverse world.  

As a former educator and elected official, I envision that the Museum in the Streets not only will draw more guests to our village and expand support of our local businesses, but also will provide educational opportunities in local history, and serve to supplement our local students'’ language curricula.

Initially, the text of all panels is in both English and Spanish, with future plans to provide expanded electronic access to multiple translations of the panel text through the QR [Quick Response] portal represented on all the Museum in the Streets signage.

The Museum in the Streets installation has been made possible by a grant from the Hudson River Valley Greenway and New York State Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy. Generous donations were also received from Altamont residents and businesses. These community members are listed on the brochures and the signage in Orsini Park. We are grateful to these individuals for their generosity and support for our community.

No tax dollars were used in this private-public partnership. Learn more about the Museum in the Streets project at www.themuseuminthestreets.com.

The Altamont Village Board initiated this project in early 2016. Images and the informational descriptions featured on this tour were gathered with the help of archivist Marijo Dougherty of the Village of Altamont Archives and Museum, researcher and Altamont resident Keith C. Lee, and photographer and resident Ron Ginsburg.  If you have any questions, contact the village office at (518) 861-8554, ext. 10 or fill out the contact form on the village website: altamontvillage.org

James M. Gaughan

Altamont Mayor

2005-2017