Local history buffs now have a place to call their own thanks to the new Local History Room at the Seymour Library in Brockport. After breaking ground last spring, the library held a grand opening ceremony at its annual After Hours Fundraiser in November. Senator Robert G. Ortt was on hand to do the ribbon cutting.
“The room has been well used since its opening,” said Director Carl Gouveia. “People come here to do research and we’ve featured two history displays so far.” The Town of Clarkson and Clarkson Historical Society provided the first display, followed by a collection by the Emily L. Knapp Museum that included a fully-furnished dollhouse.
For February and March, a collection from the Brockport Community Museum and The College at Brockport’s African American history archives will be on display to correspond with Black History Month in February.
The Seymour Library moved its local history book collection to the new space, which also features track lighting and hanging rails to showcase pictures, paintings and hanging artifacts; six display cases; a computer for doing research; a book scanner that is designed not to damage bindings; and tables and chairs. The room is also equipped with an audio/visual system that includes a projector, screen, speakers and microphone.
The Local History Room was made possible by the New York State Education Department’s Public Library Construction Grant and through community donations. The funding also made it possible for the library to enclose the courtyard off the children’s room to provide safe outdoor space for story time, art projects and additional programming.
Those interested in providing a local history display for the space may contact Director Carl Gouveia at 637-1050. For more information about the Seymour Library, visit seymourlibraryweb.org or “like” their Facebook page.
