N.Y. Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center Exceeds 45,000 Attendance In 2005: More Special Events Planned In 2006

Contact:
Steve Ramsey
1-800-724-0309
stephen.ramsey@nypa.gov
 

February 16, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTH BLENHEIM—The New York Power Authority’s Visitors Center for its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project continued to be a major Capitol Region attraction, drawing 45,320 people in 2005 compared to 40,042 visitors in 2004.

The Visitors Center, includes a restored barn with many hands-on interactive exhibits and the adjacent historic Lansing Manor house, is located on the side of the picturesque Schoharie Valley overlooking the Blenheim-Gilboa powerhouse and the project’s lower reservoir.

The fully-restored 19th century dairy barn is loaded with interactive exhibits on electric generation and numerous displays highlighting environmental and geographical features of the area.  This facility is admission-free and open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Historic Lansing Manor is a classic example of the Federalist period architecture.  It was built by John Ten Eyck Lansing – a major figure in New York State politics and government before, during and after the American Revolution – as a wedding gift to his daughter Frances and her husband Jacob Sutherland.  The house is operated by the Power Authority in cooperation with the Schoharie County Historical Society and is open May 1-October 31.  Admission is also free to historic Lansing Manor.

Numerous people visit the Visitors Center and its grounds for special events such as the annual Wildlife Festival, car shows and seasonal activities such as pictures with Santa.  In 2006, events including a Revolutionary War Re-Enactment, Summer Concert and a Vintage 19th Century Baseball Game will be added to the venue.

Listed below is a complete schedule of the 2006 events:

• February 21-23 – Winter Break Series

• March 5,12,19,26 –World Travelogue Series

• April 9 – Photos with the Easter Bunny

• May 6-7 – Revolutionary War Re-Enactment

• May 13-14 – Annual Quilt Show

• June 11 – D.A.R.E. Car Show

• June 17 – Vintage 19th Century Baseball Game

• July-August – Headwaters Soccer Camp at Mine Kill State Park.

• July 16 – Schoharie Valley Antique Auto Show

• July 22 – Summer Concert

• September 23 – 21st annual Wildlife Festival

• October 28 – Halloween Event

• November 5, 12, 19 - Sunday Matinee Movies

• December 9 – Photos with Santa

For more information on our special events, please call 1-800 724-0309 or visit on the web at www.nypa.gov .

The Power Authority’s Visitors Center is located on Route 30, 17 miles south of Middleburgh and 5 miles north of  Grand Gorge.  The complex is about 50 miles southwest of Albany.        

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