About Us
Our Mission
The Heritage Museum seeks to advance the awareness and appreciation of the industrial history of Ticonderoga through preservation and interpretation. As a Heritage Visitors' Center along the Lakes to Locks passage, the museum hosts historically accurate exhibits, inspiring programs, and creative children's workshops.
Our Focus
Situated along the Lakes to Locks passage, the museum hosts historically accurate exhibits, which interpret the manufacturing techniques and the history of the Ticonderoga Pulp & Paper Company, International Paper Company, the American Graphite Company (makers of the famous Dixon-Ticonderoga pencils), and other industries of the area.
The museum focuses on programs and exhibits that:
Excite children and spark imagination for discovery and learning.
Engage families in unique cultural interactions.
Enhance curiosity and knowledge of the Ticonderoga region’s past, present, and future.
Involve the community in historical events.
Emphasize the legacy of La Chute River.
Each summer, area children enjoy a twice-a-week program offered by the museum in July through mid-August.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are We ADA Compliant?
Our museum is an old, historic structure and listed in the U.S. National Register of Historical Places (1988). However, the first floor of our museum is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and is accessible via a wheelchair. The upper story is restricted to museum personnel.
Is the Museum COVID-19 Compliant?
Absolutely! It starts at the front door with a posted notice of how we protect you and our staff. Immediately inside you will find hand sanitizer. Friendly reminders are posted throughout the facility regarding current protection protocols. You may read our COVID-19 Policy Action Plan posted on the bulletin board as you enter the museum. We also have a safety data sheet for the hand sanitizer should you wish to see it. Simply ask the staff on duty.
Staff may inquire regarding vaccination status and visitors are on the honor system. Fully vaccinated visitors are not required to wear a face covering or socially distance. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated visitors are REQUIRED to wear a face covering and practice social distancing.
Are There Restrooms Facilities?
There are no bathrooms in the museum. However, a public restroom is available at the rear (east side) of the museum, only accessible from the Percy Thompson Bicentennial Park. This is operated and maintained by the Town of Ticonderoga and NOT the Museum. Hours may be limited by the Town. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Is There an Online Store?
Do to the limited demand of online ordering throughout the year, the Museum has determined that the cost of running an online store in the traditional sense cannot be supported. We apologize for any inconvenience in this respect. However, We understand that many of our followers and patrons would like to order some items for shipment to other parts of the country. To that end, we provide a number of items in our online store area for purchase and provide contact information and a process for ordering such items. Please see the online store section for more details.
Can I Have Gifts Shipped?
We do not have a standard mail-order business, but please see the section regarding an online store. We will ship certain available items in our gift shop section which are highlighted in our online store section.
Can I obtain Brochures and Other Information Here?
Yes! We are a museum and a Visitors Center. We have several brochures and information for locations in the area.
Can I purchase Items that I see in Posts but which are Not Listed in the Online Store?
Yes! If you see items in our posts that interest you, please feel free to contact us. If it is available, you can purchase the item following the process described in the online store section.
Is There Seating Available in the Museum?
We have limited seating in the media room where you can watch a video on the making of paper, pencils, and local history. HOWEVER, if you need a seat, please ask the staff on duty as we would be happy to pull out a folding chair for your use. We want you to enjoy your visit with us. There is also seating available outside in front of the museum via picnic tables situated in the shade.
Did Ticonderoga Make the Pencils?
The famous yellow Ticonderoga No.2 pencil Made by Dixon Ticonderoga (Dixon Crucible and Bryn Mawr Corp) was not, in fact, made in Ticonderoga. The graphite, however, that was used in their manufacture was initially mined locally (Lead Mountain – Chilson; later Hague, NY) and processed in Ticonderoga at American Graphite Company for many years.
Guy Baldwin of Ticonderoga was issued a patent in 1839 for the first solid pencil. Baldwin and Nathan DeLano manufactured these in Ticonderoga for several years. According to Dr. F. T. DeLano, the pencils were about 5 inches long, slightly larger in diameter than our current pencils, round and somewhat rough. They were constructed of white wood, either poplar or basswood, and glued together in two parts.
our board of trustees & staff
OFFICERS
Mr. Terry Smith (President)
Mr. Mark Wright (Vice-President)
Mr. William Quinn (Treasurer)
Ms. Sylvia Boyce (Secretary)
MUSEUM DIRECTOR
Ms. Linda Joiner
EMPLOYEES
Ms. Bianca Chappel
TRUSTEES
Mr. Steve Boyce
Mr. William Trombley
Mr. Chris Breiseth
Ms. Linda Osborne
Ms. JoAnn Cook
Mr. Jeff Cook
Mr. Gilbert Engler