LAKE PLACID — The Lake Placid-North Elba Historical Society celebrated the end of its 2023 season on Thursday, Oct. 5 with a reception at the historic Train Depot on Station Street. The historical society welcomed a new director and honored its outgoing board president.

The board of trustees welcomed Chris Malmgren as the new director of the LPNEHS. Malmgren brings a wealth of experience to the directorship, most recently working in various capacities with several central New York organizations, including the Cazenovia Public Library and Museum, the Skaneateles Historic Society and the Manlius Historical Society.

Malmgren is no stranger to the North Country, having received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Plattsburgh State University. Malmgren also taught secondary social studies at Peru Central School prior to taking a position at the New York State Historical Society in Cooperstown.

The LPNEHS Board of Trustees also honored its outgoing president, Parmelee Tolkan, who served in that capacity for eight years. Tolkan will remain on the board and share her artistic vision as the museum entertains new changes to design and presentation in 2024.

Tolkan has passed the leadership baton to board members Betsy Hlavacek and Perry Babcock, who will serve as co-presidents of the society going forward. Hlavacek and Babcock are excited to usher in 2024 with myriad new programs, facility renovations and expanded use of the train station campus.

The LPNEHS has closed for the season, but plans are underway for a new ADA compliant bathroom facility and enhanced accessibility to exhibit space over the winter. A rail trail facility, located at the southern end of the LPNEHS property, is planned for 2024 in addition to a number of exciting potential acquisitions to the museum, to be announced in the new year.

The Lake Placid North Elba Historical Society thanked its members and supporters and reminded area residents that its North Country Narratives oral history program is open and active and looking for more engagement. For more information, contact Caleb Mihill and Chris Malmgren at 518-523-3830.