NYPA Announces Limited Reopening of the Hawkins Point Visitors Center with Added COVID Safety Precautions

For Immediate Release: 11/5/20
Contact:  Karen White | karen.white@nypa.gov | 315-764-6863

Historic Wood Carving Depicting Early Exploration of the Region Now on Display

MASSENA, N.Y.—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced the limited reopening of its Hawkins Point Visitors Center in Massena.

As of Friday, October 30, the Hawkins Point Visitors Center, at 21 Hawkins Point Road, in Massena will be open on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays for small tours, by reservation only, comprised of members of the same family or groups that have sheltered-in-place together. To protect visitors and NYPA employees NYPA has added new safety precautions, including a reservation system that allows for limited, timed guided tours, state-of-the-art indoor filtration systems, visitor health screenings and temperature checks, and between-tour facility cleanings. All visitors must wear masks at all times. Tour guides also will wear masks.

A new exhibit featuring a large wood-carving map that portrays the passage through the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the St. Lawrence River in the 16^th century by the French Explorer Jacques Cartier is now on display to the right of the visitors center entrance.

This is the first time the magnificent 18x7-foot walnut wood carving has been available for public viewing since being relocated from NYPA’s original visitors center which was closed as a result of security concerns after 9/11.

To make a reservation or for further information, visit the visitors center information page on NYPA’s website at www.nypa.gov/HawkinsPointVisitorsCenter or by calling 315-764-6679.

All NYPA visitor center events remain canceled at this time.

About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit‑miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information, visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.