06/20/2019
Recently, Joe Bucci Sr. co-founder of American Rock Salt, Joe Bucci Jr., the company’s Environmental Manager, and geologist Bill Glynn presented the history of Salt Mining in the Genesee Valley to a full house at the Livingston County Museum. Joe Bucci Sr. surprised the audience and the Livingston County Historical Society (LCHS) board by handing a check from American Rock Salt to LCHS President Sally Wood for $50,000.
This contribution will directly support the society’s and the museum’s mission to present, promote, preserve, and value the rich history of Livingston County via its collections, programming and partnerships. This generous donation brings LCHS ever closer to reaching its capital fundraising goal for a building project which will create accessibility into the museum, provide new and accessible rest rooms, and upgrade an outdated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The physical improvements to the museum will help LCHS to better fulfill its community-focused mission and provide the best care for the collections.
As both a cultural and educational institution and stewards of local history, the Livingston County Museum is dedicated to promoting an appreciation of the present through a deeper understanding of the past. According to museum administrator, Anna Kowalchuk, “The salt mining history in this region is incredible! Did you know that the first mine shaft in Livingston County dates to 1884? Working in collaboration with representatives of American Rock Salt and SUNY Geneseo, we look forward to improving exhibitions featuring the stories and artifacts relating to salt mining in the Genesee Valley. This is not only a story of the past, but also of the present, and future.”
Additionally, the museum is now home to a memorial stone dedicated to the miners who lost their lives at the seven local area mines. Formerly at the site of the closed Retsof shaft, the stone can now be seen in the front gardens of the Livingston County Museum.
