The Delaware County Historical Association features two exhibit galleries.
The Norris Gallery
The larger Norris Gallery (2000 square feet) hosts more permanent exhibits.
Past exhibits in the Norris Gallery have included:
Quilt Show
September 20 & 21, 2003
The Delaware County Town and Country Quilters designed this show of local quilters quilts and wall hangings. Also on display were historical quilts from DCHA's collections.
The Elijah Thomas Gallery
The smaller Elijah Thomas Gallery (400 square feet) hosts a variety of staff-produced exhibits throughout the year including, themed exhibits highlighting areas of the collections, the work of local artists and new acquisitions.
Past Elijah Thomas Gallery exhibits have included:
Profitable Playthings: A Collection of Toys by Bernice Telian and Sonia deFrances.
1999
This exhibit detailed the way children's toys have changed over the last hundred years. Dolls, handmade sleds and wagons, children's books and card games from the nineteenth century made up the exhibit.
The Generosity of Delaware County Enthusiasts: Recent Acquisitions to DCHA's Collections
2001
This exhibit showcased many interesting pieces that had been recently donated to the museum within the last five years. This rotating exhibit changed every 4 weeks. On display for an extended period of time, for parts I and II, was a model train set made by Dr. Orin Flint of Delhi, NY and his friend Mr. Nolan of Oneonta, NY, donated by William Cash. The train included three beautifully crafted brass engines along with many different types of train cars varying from passenger to freight. (first picture)
Part II of the exhibit showcased a 1908 wedding gown made and worn by Catherine MacDonald of Delhi, and worn later by her granddaughter and great granddaughter. Along with the wedding gown was a prayer book used in two of the three ceremonies as well as the original pattern used to make the dress. The exhibit also featured a tied quilt made from pieces of 1930's patterned feed sacks as well as a 1930's feed sack in pristine condition. (second picture)
Donations such as these allow DCHA to preserve and present the many different aspects of Delaware County history.
Homer Benedict's Folk Art
2002
The carvings of Homer Benedict, of South Kortright, were displayed in this exhibit. Most of Mr. Benedict's pieces depict farm life in the early 1900s. Homer Benedict was the oldest living folk artist in Delaware County, continuing to carve right up until his death in South Kortright in 2006.
Autograph Albums: Pages from the Past
2002
This exhibit explored autograph albums and other sentimental keepsakes commonly found in the Victorian Era. Featured items included an autograph album with hair as keepsakes and examples of Victorian dresses.
Even the Hemlock: Reliquaries and Illuminations by Bertha Rogers
2003
This interdisciplinary exhibit incorporated the artist's boxes, books, poetry and paintings to address the importance of our natural world, particularly forests in our upstate region and the relationship to and alteration of that work by humans. This exhibit was made possible by a Ludwig Vogelstein grant and a NYSCA Arts and Culture Community grant.
Tops and Bottoms: Hats, Shoes and Sundry Attire from the DCHA Collections.
2003
This exhibit of clothing with a concentration on head and footwear showed off select items of DCHA's rich collections.
From Bayonets to Bombs, Delaware County in Times of War
2004
This exhibit traced the history of the men and women of Delaware County who took part and/or found themselves directly affected by the numerous wars waged by the USA beginning with the Revolutionary War and continuing on until Vietnam. Items on display included uniforms, weaponry, letters home, and artifacts from the home front.
Delaware County Through the Eyes of Joseph Santora
2004
This exhibit featured the oil paintings of former Meridale resident Joseph Santora. Scenes depict Delaware County during the first half of the twentieth century.
