Thousand Islands Museum

Push open the polished fir door at 312 James Street in Clayton, New York, and enter the past.  Venture along the photo-lined hallway to discover an intriguing world of hard work and heartache, passion and patriotism, triumph and tragedy. Meet heroes and villains; explore castles and caves. The story began during the winter of 1963-64 when a group of residents gathered at McCormick’s Restaurant on Riverside Drive. Vince Dee, Gordon Cerow, Helene Cobb, Jackie Vrooman and Larry Balcom recognized the importance of preserving local history and took the initial steps to make the museum a reality. In April, the New York State Education Department issued a provisional charter for the organization. On July 4, 1964, the Thousand Islands Museum opened its doors at the Town Hall. That summer the first classic boat show was held. Little did the group realize what an exceptional institution and tradition they had created.