Rep. John Faso cuts the ribbon at the grand opening Saturday, March 25 of the new and enhanced Lebanon Valley Heritage Center in New Lebanon’s Valley Plaza.
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Sharon Moon said she was impressed with how many people turned out for the event and the interest that they showed. The large turnout of people included many interested in local history and another group interested in addressing the Congressman with their concerns.
By Doug La Rocque
All it takes is a walk through the Center’s space in the Valley Plaza Mall to see they have accomplished their goal. Forced to close a year ago when they lost their lease on their previous home, they have expanded and have according to publicist Gregg Carroll, offer a redesigned collection featuring the many important contributions to history made by the Lebanon Valley community.
Highlighting the Grand Re-Opening was the visit by 19th district US Congressman John Faso, a resident of nearby Kinderhook, who told those gathered “What I really like about this is that you are providing a living history and a remembrance of the history of what went on in Lebanon and all of those that came before you.”
He also spoke to the younger members of the crowd, saying “you are really who we are talking to. We don’t want you to forget”. And what is going on here is “the laying down of a cultural marker, and we are saying that it is important that we know where we came from, who was here before us and what our future is.”
The Center highlights exhibits about the Mount Lebanon Shaker Society, the world famous Lebanon Springs spas, of former New York State Governor and presidential candidate Samuel J. Tilton, a New Lebanon resident, and much more. It also has information on local attractions, area businesses and restaurants, hiking trails and a variety of area maps. [/private]