The Peru Gazette

County Legislator Calvin Castine holding painting plaque

Clinton County, NY, May 5, 2026 –  – Clinton County is pleased to announce that a significant historic painting depicting Samuel de Champlain will be placed in the care of the Samuel de Champlain History Center in the Village of Champlain, ensuring its long-term preservation and public accessibility.

The large-scale oil painting, measuring approximately 114 inches by 78 inches, was created in 1923 by noted American artist Haskell Coffin and originally commissioned by the Northern New York Telephone Company. The work portrays Champlain overlooking Lake Champlain, symbolizing the deep historical roots of the region.

The painting had been displayed for many years at Clinton Community College on the Bluff Point campus, where it served as a visual connection to the region’s history for students, faculty, and visitors. With the College’s transition from the Bluff Point campus, Clinton County evaluated opportunities to ensure the long-term care and appropriate public placement of the piece.

The painting, which remains under the ownership of Clinton County, will now be housed at the Samuel de Champlain History Center, where it will be available for public viewing and educational purposes.

“This is a meaningful example of how we can thoughtfully steward the County’s historical assets while enhancing public access to them,” said Chairman Mark Henry (Chazy, R Area 3). “Placing this piece within an institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting our regional history ensures that its cultural and educational value will be fully realized for generations to come.”

Legislator Calvin Castine (Champlain-R, Area 1), whose district includes the Village of Champlain, emphasized the local importance of the placement.

“This painting belongs in Champlain. It reflects who we are as a community and our connection to the lake and our history,” said Castine. “I’m glad it’s staying local and that people will be able to come in and actually see it.”

The Samuel de Champlain History Center, founded and curated by Dr. Celine Racine Paquette, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit museum located in the Village of Champlain. The Center houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, documents, and antiques that preserve and interpret the history of the region and its namesake explorer.

Paquette, a former legislator and longtime advocate for local history, welcomed the addition of the painting to the Center’s collection.

“This is an incredible piece that tells an important story about our region,” said Paquette. “We are deeply grateful to Clinton County for entrusting us with its care. It will be preserved and shared in a way that allows people to connect with the history of Champlain and understand its significance.”

Clinton County extends its appreciation to all those involved in facilitating the preservation and placement of this important cultural asset.