|
Do you remember Brookside before it
became a museum?
We are working on a permanent exhibition featuring
Brookside’s history from its construction in 1792 and
its use as a hotel, it being used as a school, then a
private residence, a sanitarium, rental units, and
finally, its use as a public museum operated by the
Saratoga County Historical Society.
We would like to collect stories from anyone who lived
in Brookside during its rental apartment phase.
Particularly, we would love to see any photos of the
interior of the building during that time. If you lived
here or know someone who did and would like to share a
story please contact Kathleen Coleman, Curator of
Exhibitions at 518.885.4000 or kcoleman@brooksidemuseum.org.
Thanks for your help!
|
|
The Crime
of the Century
 Focusing
on crime, justice and punishment, Brookside’s
exhibit, “The Crime of the Century” opened summer
2006. Addressing some of the more
significant crimes in Saratoga County, this exhibit
features the famous Billings Murder of Northumberland. The
Billings murder and subsequent trial(s) became one of the
most popular news items of the late 19th century. (To Spend Eternity Alone, Hollis
Palmer, Deep Roots Publications, Saratoga Springs, NY
1999)
Eliza Billings, wife to a man reputed to be among
the wealthiest in Saratoga County, was shot as she sat in
her parlor. Although her husband, Jesse, was tried in what
was known as "the longest and most expensive criminal
trial in the one hundred year history of the United
States," he was found not guilty in the murder of his
wife and went home.
Crimes
such as this are shocking to the communities where they take
place. And, while no community would choose to be defined by
crimes of the past, taking a closer look at crime, justice, and
punishment can give us a greater appreciation for the criminal
justice system in place today.
Questions?
Comments? Contact Linda Gorham at 518.885.4000 or lgorham@brooksidemuseum.org
|
