This summer the exhibit at the Empire State Railway Museum features photographs and maps of the villages that were lost or moved when the Ashokan Reservoir was built. Titled, "Before the Water Rose: the fate of the Ashokan Valley Villages, 1906-1916," this exhibit gives a glimpse into the hamlets of Ashton, Brodhead, Brown Station, Olive Branch and Olive City which disappeared forever, as well as the predecessors of the villages that were relocated - West Hurley, Glenford, Olive, West Shokan, Shokan, Olivebridge and Boiceville. The exhibit will be open on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Columbus Day from 11 AM to 4 PM.

Local history buffs, genealogists, residents whose families go back generations, as well as newcomers to the region, will all appreciate the details provided in the exhibit about the quality of life before the Ashokan Reservoir flooded the valley. The photographs in the exhibit show homes, farms, schools, businesses and churches from the 15,222 acres that were taken by eminent domain.

The Empire State Railway Museum is located at 70 Lower High Street in Phoenicia, NY 12464.
From exit 19 of the NYS Thruway (Kingston, NY)
take Rt. 28 west to Phoenicia (approximately 22 miles).

Hours: 11 AM - 4 PM weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.

Other hours by appointment.
Suggested donation: $3 adult, $1 child, $5 family.
For more information, call 845-688-7501 or visit.