Old Base Museum Campus

Nearly 200 years after opening, the Plattsburgh Barracks, which became the longest military operating facility in the U.S. completed its mission and closed.  What began as 200 acres of military-operated land in 1814 evolved to nearly 5,000 acres of undeveloped property full of rich history.  Today three museums and two breweries operate within 500 feet of each other on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, each of them doing their part to bring our history back to life!

Museums:

Clinton County Historical Museum:

Open year round and located on the Old Base Museum Campus, the museum houses over 30,000 artifacts and documents and an extensive celluloid and glass plate negative collection. Gallery themes include Early Industry, Redford Glass, Arts & Leisure, Suffrage, Early Rifles & Revolvers, Lake Champlain’s Military History, featuring the Aiken rifle and a diorama by world renowned artist, Arto Monaco, depicting the Battles of Valcour and Plattsburgh. Researchers have access to the extensive research files and library of local history. The Gift Shop offers the largest selection of County history and literature in the area. The Association is steward of the Valcour Island Bluff Point Lighthouse open Sundays from 1pm to 3 pm in July and August and by appointment. clintoncountyhistorical.org

Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum:

The Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum is operated by the Battle of Plattsburgh Association and located on the Old Base Museum Campus. The museum focuses on the forty years of U.S. Air Force history in Plattsburgh and the North Country. plattsburghafbmuseum.org

War of 1812 Museum:

Located on the Old Base Museum Campus, this museum allows you to explore the causes and effects of the War of 1812 and the Battles at Plattsburgh in 1814, the site of the largest invasion in U.S. history. battleofplattsburgh.org

Other Stops on Campus:

Valcour Brewing Company:

Based in Plattsburgh's historic Old Stone Barracks, Valcour Brewing Company offers craft brews, locally-sourced fare and rooms to stay overnight! valcourbrewingcompany.com

Oval Craft Brewing:

Enjoy delicious craft beers made with local ingredients in a historic building that was once used by the Army to house horse drawn fire carts. ovalcraftbrewing.com