Current Exhibits:
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Pandemic Perspectives - 2021
Throughout history, pandemics have transformed individuals and society in a multitude of ways. This exhibit draws parallels between the COVID-19 era and Saranac Lake’s history as a community that welcomed people suffering from tuberculosis. What is your pandemic perspective? |
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Online exhibits:
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Art of the Cure - 2019
This collection displayed an array of arts and crafts created by the diverse community of tuberculosis patients who came to Saranac Lake during the curing years. Patients were encouraged to participate in occupational therapy programs which allowed them to develop new skills, socialize with other patients, find a sense of purpose, and improve their mental wellbeing. At the Sanatorium worship, patients learned jewelry making, leather craft, bookbinding, basket making, and photography, among other artistic crafts. Artists such as Amy Jones and Ray Ridabock offered lessons to patients and performers such as the opera singer Grace Moore put on benefit shows. The flourishing arts community established during this time period continues to influence Saranac Lake today. |
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Past exhibits:
The Roaring Twenties - Step in to a Grand Hotel (2017)
The Roaring Twenties exhibit explored the decade of the roaring twenties through the context of hotels of the time period. The exhibit was created to coincide with the reopening of the historic Hotel Saranac. Featuring local photographs, historic films, and 1920’s artifacts, this interactive exhibit allows you to step back in time. Visitors could explore the fashion trends while diving through the social change occurring during the Roaring Twenties. The exhibit was supported by Humanities NY.
Medical Marvels (2015)
The Medical Marvels exhibit explored a vast range of seemingly strange medical treatments from throughout history. The collection included devices donated from Saranac Lake local residents as well as an array of medical curiosities on loan from the renowned Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® collection. From pleural fluid drains to the Super Marvel Ultraviolet Ray to a pneumothorax apparatus, some of the pieces on display were used to treat tuberculosis before antibiotics. These various machines, tools, and techniques allow us to reflect on how medicine has evolved over time, and ask the question, was it science or quackery? How will we look back on today’s medicine 100 years from now? The Medical Marvels Exhibit was produced with support from Humanities NY and in consultation with the Dittrick Museum of Medical History at Case Western Reserve University.
The Roaring Twenties exhibit explored the decade of the roaring twenties through the context of hotels of the time period. The exhibit was created to coincide with the reopening of the historic Hotel Saranac. Featuring local photographs, historic films, and 1920’s artifacts, this interactive exhibit allows you to step back in time. Visitors could explore the fashion trends while diving through the social change occurring during the Roaring Twenties. The exhibit was supported by Humanities NY.
Medical Marvels (2015)
The Medical Marvels exhibit explored a vast range of seemingly strange medical treatments from throughout history. The collection included devices donated from Saranac Lake local residents as well as an array of medical curiosities on loan from the renowned Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® collection. From pleural fluid drains to the Super Marvel Ultraviolet Ray to a pneumothorax apparatus, some of the pieces on display were used to treat tuberculosis before antibiotics. These various machines, tools, and techniques allow us to reflect on how medicine has evolved over time, and ask the question, was it science or quackery? How will we look back on today’s medicine 100 years from now? The Medical Marvels Exhibit was produced with support from Humanities NY and in consultation with the Dittrick Museum of Medical History at Case Western Reserve University.
