HRCCU and the Community Raise $20K for the Hudson River Mill Museum

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When the Hudson River Mill Museum was vandalized earlier this year, the Corinth community didn’t just react with shock, they responded with action. In an effort to support the museum’s restoration, Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) stepped in to lead a matching fundraising campaign that ultimately raised $20,300 to help repair the damage.

Responding to Vandalism with Community Support

The act of vandalism occurred on April 14, when three juveniles allegedly caused an estimated $100,000 in damage to the museum, including 24 broken windows and significant harm to a mural honoring the International Paper mill, a key part of Corinth’s history.

In response, HRCCU launched a matching campaign, pledging to match community donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000. The goal? To rally local support and provide meaningful financial help to the museum in its time of need.

The campaign exceeded expectations. Community members contributed $10,300, bringing the total raised to $20,300 to aid in the museum’s recovery.

“The Hudson River Mill Museum is more than just a building, it’s a vital part of our local heritage and a symbol of Corinth’s identity,” said Sue Commanda, CEO of HRCCU. “We are incredibly proud to partner with our community and members to help preserve this historic landmark for generations to come.”

Celebrating the Community’s Generosity

The check presentation took place on Saturday, August 16, during the museum’s annual Touch-A-Truck fundraising event at 17 Pine Street in Corinth. The event brought together families, donors, and supporters to celebrate the campaign’s success and the power of collective action.

“We were devastated to hear about the vandalism, but inspired by how quickly the community responded,” said Charles Pasquarell, HRCCU Board President. “This campaign shows what we can accomplish when we come together. The credit union is honored to play a role in protecting a place that means so much to our members and the broader Corinth community.”

Honoring the Past, Rebuilding the Future

The funds raised will go directly toward repairing the extensive vandalism damage and helping the museum continue its mission of preserving Corinth’s rich industrial history.

For the museum, the campaign served as a reminder of the strong roots it shares with the credit union and the local community.

“The Hudson River Mill Museum is grateful to Hudson River Community Credit Union for its continued support,” said Laurie DeLong, Board President of the museum. “The ties between the museum and the credit union go back almost 70 years, when the credit union started in a corner of this very building. Through this matching campaign, HRCCU has helped ensure we can continue the restoration of a space that means so much to all of us.”

A Credit Union Committed to Community

HRCCU’s mission extends far beyond banking. As a long-standing part of the Capital Region, the credit union remains committed to supporting local causes, preserving community history, and responding in moments that matter.

This campaign is a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together, not just to repair what was broken, but to strengthen what already binds them.