Historical society thanks Clinton County Legislature for bicentennial support, outlines Battle of Valcour plans

Gerry Favreau, president of the Clinton County Historical Society and chair of the county’s American Bicentennial Committee, used public comment time March 25 to thank the legislature and outline preparations for the county’s 250th Battle of Valcour commemoration.

Favreau told legislators the society received $11,000 in county support this year and a $40,000 grant from the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership to fund camps, wayside exhibits and banners for municipalities across the county. He said another $14,000 from a Ticonderoga Commission arrived at the county but its intended use remains unclear; county staff and committee members will follow up to determine distribution.

Favreau described plans for a multi-day commemoration set for October 9–11, including reenactments, educational programming and numbered challenge coins as fundraisers. "I want to thank the County Legislature for the $11,000 that you gave for American Bicentennial," he said, and invited legislators to attend.

Why it matters: The programming is intended to drive local historical education and modest economic activity through tourism while distributing banners and exhibits across towns and villages in Clinton County. The society emphasized working with towns, villages and local businesses during planning.

Next steps: Favreau said he will coordinate with county staff to determine how to allocate the additional $14,000 commission funds and asked for photos and logistical support for banner hardware already deposited in the county office. No formal county appropriation beyond the reported $11,000 was made at the meeting.