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The Georgi Museum contains Renaissance art, European antiques, and Asian collectibles in a stunning house on nine acres of park and gardens along the famous Battenkill trout stream. Maria and William Georgi bought the river property in 1952 from a local resident, Clarence Jackson, who used the land for pasturing cows. The Georgi family built the house in 1955 for their son Henry. The house was not lived in until the mid 1980's after Henry's death when his his widow, Jessie, became the only Georgi family member to establish residence on the site. It was the wish of both Henry and Jessie Georgi that the property be given to the people in the community of Shushan and the town of Salem. It is with great pride that we establish a Museum and Park center for all the people to enjoy.
The art collection is comprised of Italian, Dutch, Flemish, German and French paintings from the fourteenth through the eighteenth centuries. Chinese and Asian tapestries and Oriental figurines are an added display attraction. Henry Georgi, an engineering geologist, assembled a mineral collection which would make any rock enthusiast envious. The collection runs from amethyst to zircon, with samples from as far away as South Africa.
The grounds were originally landscaped by the Georgi family. Volunteers and members of the Georgi Board, using funds donated and raised by community auctions and plant sales, have rejuvenated the gardens. It is a popular leisure spot for small and large group get-togethers, for picnics, walking, yard games, concerts, weddings, and reunions. Besides the museum and the park, a community building is also on the Georgi property and is used as a local meeting room, voting area, and site for art lessons, and private indoor parties. Of special interest is the new Battenkill Room with its stained glass windows (part of the Georgi's stained glass collection) featuring a glass panel based on a woodcut by Hans Weidtz. This sunlit room overlooking the Battenkill River will be home to many new exhibits and displays changing throughout the summer and fall and will include information and educational materials about the Battenkill River. The Battenkill Alliance and The Battenkill Conservancy are assisting in these displays and events. The Battenkill winds around the southwestern perimiter, providing a beautiful natural setting.
Museum grounds open dawn until dusk.
Art museum and library hours: Weekends only Saturday and Sunday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
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