THE SARANAC LABORATORY
Built in 1894, The Saranac Laboratory was the first lab built in the U.S. for the research of tuberculosis. Historic Saranac Lake rehabilitated the building and opened it as a museum in 2009.
The Saranac Laboratory is open year-round with permanent exhibits on scientific research and patient care, and temporary exhibits on topics of local history. Exhibits are self-guided, however staff is always on hand to help guide visitors through the exhibits and answer any questions. The main laboratory space explores Saranac Lake’s unique history as a world-wide center for TB research and patient care. Visitors can listen to audio tours and view a variety of short films on TB and local history in the main laboratory space.
ADMISSION
- Adults: $7
- Students with I.D.: $5
- Children 12 and under: free of charge
- Free admission to members of Historic Saranac Lake
The Saranac Laboratory is managed by Historic Saranac Lake, which was was founded in 1980. Our mission is to preserve and present area history and architecture to build a stronger community.
- Restoring the Saranac Laboratory and opening the building as a museum interpreting Saranac Lake’s unique role in history as a world-famous center for the fresh air treatment of tuberculosis.
- In 2019, embarking on a major museum expansion project, with the acquisition and rehabilitation of the Trudeau building.
- Preserving the Bartók Cabin, with tours provided upon request.
- Operating our innovative outreach project, the Cure Porch on Wheels.
- Leading a growing Oral History Project.
- Advocating for the preservation of Saranac Lake’s unique architecture. HSL has nominated and listed over 230 resources to the National Register of Historic Places. HSL Partnered on and administered the Union Depot preservation project.
- Caring for our museum collection of artifacts, photos and documents pertaining to Saranac Lake’s history as a center for science and patient care.
- Publishing books and pamphlets such as Cure Cottages of Saranac Lake by Phil Gallos, our Downtown Walking Tour brochure, and A Rare Romance in Medicine by Mary Hotaling.
- Sponsoring educational activities such as a summer music series, walking tours, presentations for student groups, lectures, history days, and oral history projects.
- Hosting temporary exhibits in the John Black Room library.
- Maintaining the HSL Wiki site, an innovative online encyclopedia of over 6,000 pages of local history.