The Lebanon Valley Historical Society and the New Lebanon Economic Development Committee jointly announce the grand opening of the Lebanon Valley Heritage Center on Saturday, December 7, at noon, at the Valley Plaza Mall. The Center will use displays, books, old newspapers and magazines, photographs, paintings and drawings, videos and furniture and artifacts to showcase the rich historical and environmental heritage of New Lebanon. These include Mount Lebanon, the leading Shaker community in the world, the famous spa at Lebanon Springs, the birthplace and grave of NY Governor Samuel J. Tilden, winner of the popular vote in the disputed presidential election of 1876, the Shaker Swamp and the sites of the visit in1842 by Charles Dickens.
The Center also will function as a visitors bureau to serve the needs of tourists for maps, listings of dining and lodging establishments, upcoming events, recreational or cultural activities and other local information.
Speakers at the grand opening will include Mike Benson, Supervisor of the Town of New Lebanon, Steven J. Oberon, President of the Historical Society, and Max Gitter, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee.