PRESERVING THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF THE ROE JAN COMMUNITY
Upcoming Events and Programs
2021 SUMMER EXHIBITION
JULY Thru OCTOBER 17th, 2021
Exhibit will be open Saturdays and Sundays 2-4 pm,
REVIVED IN WOOD:
GREEK AND GOTHIC REVIVAL CHURCHES OF THE ROE JAN REGION
During the 19th century in America, two distinct architectural styles flourished side by side: the classical style of Ancient Greece and the Gothic style of Medieval Europe. But, unlike their classical and European antecedents built in stone, the characteristic architectural forms of each were revived and translated into wood, the nation’s most abundant material.
Though used in both civic and domestic architecture, both styles also found vivid expression in numerous rural churches dotting the American countryside.
Inspired by Arthur Baker’s seminal book of photographs, WOODEN CHURCHES: Columbia County Legacy, the RJHS summer exhibit explores many aspects of the Greek and Gothic styles, as seen in 17 wooden church buildings remaining in the five towns of the Roe Jan area: Ancram, Copake, Gallatin, Hillsdale and Taghkanic.
The exhibition, featuring photographs, objects, models, antique tools and photography equipment, documents, mementos, and memorabilia will be on view in the historic “Old Copake Falls Church,” now the RJHS Museum. An exhibition catalogue and guide to the churches will be available for purchase.