Museum Hours:
June 1—September 30 (the first Friday in June to the last Saturday in September)
Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon
or other times by request, call Bill Pollak at (518) 762-7646

Please send memorabilia to:
2 Prindle Avenue
Johnstown, NY 12095

or call Bill Pollak at the above number - he will come and pick it up!

Greater Johnstown School District Museum photo gallery

GJSD Museum Board of Directors
Bill Pollak, Curator
Phil Conner
Kathy Dougherty
Jim Hillier, Sr.
Noel Levee
Richard McGuire
Eva Marie Mraz
Rebecca Preston
Karen Raspanti
Roger Ritzmann
Barbara Skoda
Kathryn Zajicek

The Museum
The idea to create a school district museum existed for years and is now a reality. The official opening of the Greater Johnstown School District Museum was held Saturday, May 3, 2003. Established as an effort to preserve the history and the rich tradition of education in Johnstown, the museum is intended to benefit everyone in the community. The collection of school memorabilia dates from present day all the way back to the late 1700s. Some early pieces are on loan from the Johnstown Historical Society, while other items have come through personal donations and the school district archives. An ongoing effort to acquire additional collectibles exists and memorabilia donations for the museum are always accepted. Those wishing to donate can call (518) 762-7646. Please send memorabilia to: 2 Prindle Avenue, Johnstown, NY 12095.

Where is it located?
The museum is located in the "white house" on Knox Field, behind the Knox Junior High School building. The building was constructed in 1930 and donated to the school district as part of the Knox complex. It is the oldest building being used in the school district. Throughout the years, this former field house had many uses, which included: 

• A classroom building
• Arts/Crafts and Recreation Center
• Warming station for ice skating
• Storage facility for track and field equipment
• Administrative office area

It is only proper that the public have an opportunity to see it again…now as our museum!

What will you find?
Visitors will find photographs, scrapbooks, newspaper articles, uniforms, jackets, shirts, jewelry, equipment, trophies, plaques, awards, books, journals, historical documents and ledgers, school furnishings, textbooks and supplies, nostalgic and period items, artwork, posters, programs, maps, school newspapers, score books, tests, report cards and much more.

A yearbook collection:

• The Baronet (1925-present)
• Numerous yearbooks from Knox Junior High School and the district's four elementary schools

The museum's organizers have taken great care to balance an abundance of academic, administrative, extra-curricular and nostalgic items.

There is also a special display dedicated to Mrs. Rose Knox, an influential business leader and philanthropist. She is fondly known as "The First Lady of Johnstown." Mrs. Knox donated the property known as Knox Field, as well as $200,000 for its development.

Another area is reserved for the memorabilia of William A. Wright, a district teacher and administrator for 42 years.

The collection dates from the late 1700s to the present day, and specific rooms in the museum are dedicated to the following eras:

• pre 1930
• 1930-49
• 1950-69
• 1970-89
• 1990-2004
• 2005-present (lower level)

Those planning a class reunion are encouraged to include a museum tour as part of their activities. Already a number of class reunions have scheduled visits to the museum and, needless to say, the visits brought back many memories! Tours may be scheduled by appointment or during regular museum hours of operation. Please contact Bill Pollak at (518) 762-7646 for more information.

Remembering Johnstown Students Who Lost Their Lives in War
We, at the Greater Johnstown School District Museum, honor and remember the Johnstown students who made the supreme sacrifice in service to their country. (Click here for list)

Yearbooks for Sale!
We are pleased to announce that we have numerous yearbooks from the six schools for sale at $5 each. They include elementary, Knox and JHS yearbooks from a variety of years. If you are interested in purchasing a yearbook, contact Bill Pollak, Curator, or visit the museum during its open hours.

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