Show Mobile Search Hide Mobile Search Show Mobile Social Media Hide Mobile Social Media Show Mobile Menu Hide Mobile Menu
Montgomery County Made of Something Stronger - Link to Homepage
Visit us on Facebook  Visit us on YouTube  Visit us on Twitter     View our Video Tour

Press Release

Publish Date: 6/28/2023

TOURISM INITIATIVE CONNECTS STUDENTS WITH LOCAL HISTORY THROUGH THE “PASTPORT TO HISTORY” PROGRAM

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2023
Contact: Morgan McClary, MMcClary@co.montgomery.ny.us; 518-774-9138
TOURISM INITIATIVE CONNECTS STUDENTS WITH LOCAL HISTORY THROUGH THE “PASTPORT TO HISTORY” PROGRAM

Program Offers Free Admission to Students, Chance to Explore Hundreds of Years of History

(FONDA, NY) – Whether your interest is North America’s Indigenous populations, the founding of our nation, the Underground Railroad and emancipation, or the industrial revolution and the Erie Canal, there’s something for everyone in Montgomery County.

With summer break starting this week for local school children, Visit Montgomery County, the county’s tourism initiative, is launching a new program called “Pastport to History,” which encourages students to learn more about the area’s rich historic roots.

“Our communities have been home to numerous notable events for hundreds of years, even before our nation’s founding,” Montgomery County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort said.

“Too often, people think they have to travel to places like Saratoga, Gettysburg or Washington, DC, to learn about American history. No matter the time period or subject someone is interested in, you can find fun and informative activities and events right here in Montgomery County. The ‘Pastport to History’ program is our way of showcasing our historical assets and encouraging young people to learn about how our community has played a pivotal role in shaping our nation,” Ossenfort said.

Created by Visit Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Department of History and Archives, the “Pastport” is a pocket-sized booklet that teaches about more than a dozen local historic sites spanning the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Each student who brings their “pastport” to one of the historic sites will receive FREE admission and a stamp to signify their visit, just like a normal passport.

Parents who would like to obtain a “pastport” for their children can do so by contacting tourism@co.montgomery.ny.us. Students who have their “pastport” stamped by at least 10 historic sites will be entered to win a special Montgomery County prize package.

The “Pastport to History” program includes information about the following historic sites:

  • Margaret Reaney Memorial Library & Museum
  • 1747 Nellis Tavern
  • Fort Klock Historic Restoration
  • Fort Plain Museum
  • Palatine Church
  • Stone Arabia Churches
  • Kilt Farm Museum
  • Ames Museum
  • Arkell Museum
  • Van Alstyne Homestead Society & Museum
  • Charleston Historical Society
  • National Shrine of Kateri Tekakwitha
  • Montgomery County Department of History & Archives
  • National Shrine of Our Lady Martyrs
  • Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site
  • Old Fort Johnson National Historic Landmark
  • Walter Elwood Museum

Watch the press conference announcing Visit Montgomery County's "Pastport to History" program from the Saint Kateri National Shrine and Historic Site at: https://fb.watch/ls5exrL7Pd/