ADK Talks Podcast Episode: Adirondack Architectural Heritage: Preserving Place
Stories Behind the Adirondack Architecture We Love
Step back in time—and into the future of preservation. In this spirited episode of ADK Talks, Jane and Steve sit down with Erin Tobin, Executive Director of Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH), to uncover the unique and fascinating stories hidden in the Adirondacks’ historic architecture.
From the rustic grandeur of Great Camp Santanoni to the region’s Adirondack fire towers and even its forgotten Cold War missile silos, Erin shares how AARCH, through its inspiring work, saves and celebrates the unique buildings that define the Adirondack Park, a testament to the power of preservation and the stories written in wood, stone, and steel.
Great Camp Santanoni
What you’ll learn in this episode:
The fight to save Great Camp Santanoni—and the Japanese influence that makes it unique
How grassroots activism preserved the Adirondack fire towers
Why federal funding cuts threaten historic preservation efforts
AARCH’s tours, workshops, and hands-on programs—and why they sell out fast
Erin’s pick for a must-see hidden gem: Debar Pond Lodge, a “fjords-meet-Adirondacks” destination
Whether you’re a history buff, a preservation enthusiast, or just curious about the stories told in wood, stone, and steel, this episode will change how you see the Adirondacks.
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Rondaxe Fire Tower on Bald Mountain near Old Forge.
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Upcoming events in the Adirondack Park.
Don’t miss one of the Adirondacks best orchards, fall destination and corn maze in the Champlain Valley.
See quilts created by some of the country's finest quilters and fiber artists working today.
Visit Tucker Farms near Saranac Lake to take on the 2025 Corn Maze Challenge.
Visit Schuyler Farms 2025 Haunted Corn Maze in the foothills of the Southern Adirondacks.
Take the Silver Bay YMCA Zombie Forest Trail (if you dare!).
Adirondack organizations meet up for an evening to gather, learn and support healthy lake ecosystems.
Enjoy spooky games, spine-chilling decorations and blood-curdling snacks and drink.
Known as the “Telluride Festival of the East,” this event is one you won’t want to miss.
Catch the re-release of “Casper” on it’s 30th anniversary.
A full day of Halloween fun in Lake Placid!
Bring your Lil’ ADKers to downtown Saranac Lake for trick-or-treating on Halloween.
Celebrate halloween with your furry friends while supporting a good cause.
Don’t miss the annual Warrensburg Halloween Parade on Friday, October 31, 2025, in the southern Adirondacks near Lake George.
Uncover mysteries beyond the veil with a weekend packed with spiritual exploration, workshops, and eerie after-dark experiences.
Looking for unique, handcrafted treasures? The St. Mary's Craft Fair invites you to explore a lovely collection of locally produced goods.
Thousands of flags honor former and current members of the U.S. Military for Veteran’s Day in Lake George.
Attend a free class to learn more about preparing for emergencies and natural disasters in the Adirondacks.
Tannery Pond Center presents a Veterans Day Concert with Dan Berggren and Cedar Stanistreet.
Try fishing for the first time or revisit a favorite pastime during the NYS’s free fishing events in 2025.
William Shatner will visit the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour the weekend of November 20-22, 2025.
The 2025 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stops in the Adirondacks along Lake Champlain on Wednesday, November 26.