tour
lakeside school building
Beginning with the spring 2011 semester, the Cooperstown Graduate Program will set a new standard for professional training in museum studies with a brand new facility.
The new CGP facility will be very student friendly. The renovated building will provide students with a media lab equipped for oral histories and film editing, a "smart classroom" with the ability to project movies and conduct video conferences, a space for large receptions, and a cozy student lounge overlooking Lake Otsego. The lounge will be outfitted so that students can view movies or just relax and study or eat lunch. There will also be a lab for the examination of objects and a lab for building exhibitions.
During the construction process, students will attend classes on the NYSHA museum campus.
NYSHA library
Just a short walk from the main school building, the NYSHA library serves CGP as well as the public. Each student receives an individual carrel. The library has a strong collection of books related to museum studies and New York State, as well as significant holdings in special collections. The experienced staff provide assistance with research, and the ability to make inter-library loans from other institutions. Students have secure access to the library 24-hours a day.
Fenimore Art Museum
Located next door to the library, Fenimore Art Museum is respected nationwide for its collections, particularly for Folk art and the Thaw Collection of Native American art. The NYSHA photo collections can also be a useful resource for CGP students. Museum staff often give advice on projects, and many students are able to undertake internships or simply help out during exhibit installations.
Farmers' Museum
Across the street from Fenimore, the Farmers' Museum is an open air living history museum. It includes a village and farm of historic structures, as well as costumed interpreters representing various trades. The museum also contains live domestic animals, many belonging to heirloom breeds. The Farmers' Museum provides students the opportunity to learn the basics of hands-on crafts, such as blacksmithing, weaving, and open-hearth cooking. As at Fenimore, staff are happy to share their knowledge, and the museum provides a location for numerous projects and even internships.
Iroquois storage facility
ISF serves as the primary collections storage for NYSHA and the Farmers' Museum. Housed in a former stable, it contains a large and varied collection. Especially prominent are tools of rural life, and items relevant to state and local history. The focused staff are helpful, and the collections provide a real-life opportunity to practice study, care and management skills. The storage facility includes a classroom, which is used for many collections-focused courses.
SUNY College at Oneonta
About a half-an-hour to the south, the Oneonta campus provides a fully-equipped collegiate environment. This includes the Milne Library, Health and Wellness Center, and the school's administrative offices. Other campus opportunities include athletics, clubs, and events such as concerts and shows.
The NYSHA library
