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P.O. Box 43
Clyde, NY 14433

 

Brick Church Museum

The original building construction was initiated in 1833 for use as a Baptist Church. The walls were 12 inch solid brick with roof construction of hand hewed beam trusses . The building later became the Galen Free Library from 1955 through 1995.

In 1999 the board of directors proposed to the membership that purchase of the former Clyde Baptist Church and Galen Free Library building at 31 North Park Street from the Clyde-Savannah Public Library be pursued. It was inspired by the vision of Pat and Wayne Morrison, Sr. The purchase was accomplished in January 2000 thanks to contributors who stepped forward to add their resources to those of the Society.

Other developments of a financial nature were also happening. Some land west of the Mill Museum was sold to NYSEG. Senator Michael F. Nozzolio obtained a member item grant of $15,000 that led to reconstruction of the roof and east wall support of the building. In 2001, Robert Mead was asked to chair the committee to refurbish and add a new elegance to what would become the Brick Church Museum. A crew of volunteers added to the generous work of contractors to make the vision a reality. When it seemed the final "push" to complete the building could stall, a grant through the office of Assemblyman Robert Oaks of $7,000 helped to purchase a new heating system. The electrical work by William Lee and the construction of the new balconies were also completed. Work on the new ceiling and the new bathroom was finished. Several generous bequests were willed to our Society to enable us to go forward with additional work and by 2006 the reconstruction comes to a completion with both a new humidification system and a hot water heater being installed. The brick work has been pointed and sealed. Window repairs and new storm windows to protect our stained glass windows are now complete.

Displays offered in the Museum include a large collection of Clyde Glass, the Morrison Press, a Briggs Bank collection and many others reflecting local business, churches, modes of travel, military and civic organizations. We have a large genealogy collection available for research. Sharon Rice has served as President of the Board of Directors during the entire process of purchase and the reconstruction of the Brick Church Museum and has worked countless hours to bring us to this stage of completion in our restoration efforts. As her term ends she can look back with pride at all the Galen Historical Society has accomplished during her tenure.

Click on the above photographs to view the museum restoration project.

Click on the above photographs to view the completed museum interior.

 

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