Boatbuilder-in-Residence Fund

As early as the 1840s, small wooden boats, just large enough to hold a couple of people and their gear, were used in the central Adirondacks. As more and more people came to the region for sport, the demand grew for guides and their boats, which became known as guideboats. Today the Adirondack Experience holds one of the largest collections of inland watercraft in the country, including 100 handcrafted guideboats.

In 2002 the Museum installed a working boat shop in the Boats & Boating in the Adirondacks exhibition. During the open season, an experienced boatbuilder demonstrates the unique craft of building a guideboat, bringing history to life for visitors of all ages.

The fund to support the Boatbuilder-in-Residence program was initiated by Sidney Whelan, an Honorary Trustee of the Adirondack Experience. In 2024 Sidney Whelan passed away. The ADKX welcomes new donations to the fund in memory of Sid’s lasting impact on the Museum.

To make a gift online, click the Donate Now button below and fill out the online form. For additional information about making a donation, please call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 518.352.7311 ext. 119.