United Helpers Celebrates Opening of 1898 Room

OGDENSBURG – A stained glass window designed and built in Ogdensburg, postcards containing thank you notes from the Society of United Helpers first president, admission logs dating back to the organization’s first-ever resident in 1898, and more are all on display in the newly opened 1898 room at United Helpers RiverLedge campus in Ogdensburg.

“This project has been a long time coming,” said United Helpers Assistant Director of Corporate Services Jordan Downing-Duke. “For years we’ve talked about wanting a space like this – somewhere to thoughtfully display the incredible historical items we’ve uncovered over time.”

Through a partnership with St. Lawrence University and the schools Public Interest Corps (SLU PIC) internship program, the 1898 room was brought to life this past summer.

SLU Junior Eileen Carnes, a history and art history double major from Pulaski spent two months going through United Helpers archives, cataloging items, and deciding what items would ultimately be displayed in the space. She also created a timeline outlining company history from 1898 to today.

Although time ran out on her internship, before the project could be completed, Ms. Carnes left United Helpers with the detailed plans needed to finish the job.

Mrs. Downing-Duke and Fundraising Specialist Natalee Bean teamed up to put the finishing touches on the room.

“We would also like to thank the United Helpers’ maintenance department for all of their help with this project,” Mrs. Downing-Duke said. “Their assistance included removing an existing wired-glass window and installing a different sized stained glass window in its place.”

Ms. Carnes, who attended the grand opening, said she enjoyed her time working with United Helpers.

“I really do love history and working on this project was a great way to spend the summer,” she said. “I gained invaluable work experience and was able to help create something special for United Helpers.”

The 1898 Room is open by appointment and may be viewed Monday through Friday, during regular business hours. To schedule an appointment, please e-mail marketing@unitedhelpers.org.

The United Helpers marketing team celebrated the grand opening of the 1898 Room earlier this week. The project, which includes photos and artifacts from more than 125 years of United Helpers history was curated and designed by Eileen Carnes, a junior at St. Lawrence University, who spent the summer working at United Helpers as part of the SLU PIC internship program. From left, Marketing Manager Benny Fairchild, Ms. Carnes, Assistant Director of Corporate Services Jordan Downing-Duke and Fundraising Specialist Natalee Bean, all of whom participated in the project.