Hi Listers I noted in the May 8th-14th 2002 Issue of the Journal & Republic Newspaper that the Lewis County Historical Association and the Archives will not be open to the public over the summer (per Ms Becker) and that they are shooting to have everything there by September 1st (not in stone). But the best is yet to come as one would say. I Though I would share this with you (knowing everyone is planning trips and all List members do not belong to the Society). I belong to the Historical Society, but have not received any notice or Newsletter from the Historical Society regarding this move so all information is from the local newspaper in Lewis County. I had seen an earlier newspaper report that this was trying to be worked out. Perhaps the Historical Society Members will receive something in letter form in the near future with more updated information of the closing date of the archives in Lyons Falls NY and projected opening at its new location in Lowville, NY when all the details become available. This will be a great advantage to us when completed as there will be more room to work and space to have more material in the open and available to researchers. We will also be closer to the Court House and that alone will save us that trip between Lowville and Lyons Fall. That was always a bummer. The Archives will be at the County Seat where it should be and never should have left. We should all realize that Lisa Becker, Lewis County Historian has done a marvelous job with the present conditions and very limited space at the old Lewis County archives and will be able to help even more when she gets into their new archive location on State St. Lowville NY. I hope that this move will draw many Local Volunteers that are needed to help her at the new Archives. Perhaps the County Legislators will consider getting at least a PT Paid Assistant to help her with all the detailed work that comes with this job. With the increased interest in Genealogy that is out there today and with people traveling from many states across the country to use this facility the workload is steadily increasing. The job of County Historian is a difficult position and Lisa Becker has shown a great interest in the history of Lewis County and the Lewis County Archives. This is something we should all show our gratitude for. With Genealogy Research being the Number 1 Hobby in the Country and with a growing interest in Ancestors from Lewis County, New York I am sure that the people using this facility has doubled over the past 10 years and will continue to grow in the future. We also have many Professional Genealogists and Authors researching their Ancestors and History in Lewis County. It is about time that the Lewis County Board of Legislators realized the importance of County History and preserving our Records, Books and all Historical Papers and/or material. In additon we should all be aware of the importance of this position and the great job being done by Lisa Becker. So let's all just take a moment to say-------------HAT's OFF TO LISA BECKER, Lewis County Historian, you are doing a GREAT JOB! Now you will be able to do an even better job. It's about time! Regards Pat R