MASSENA – The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is celebrating 60 years generating energy at its St. Lawrence-Franklin Delano Roosevelt Power Project with a community celebration and an historical retrospective featuring photos, presentations and memorabilia from the very beginning of the plant’s construction.

The project, which first made power in July 1958, was the first large hydroelectric plant in New York State and contributes, along with NYPA’s other generating plants, up to 20 percent of New York State’s energy, said a NYPA press release.

Members of the public are invited to join in the commemoration of this milestone this summer by attending the following events:

From August through October, the Celine E. Philibert Cultural Centre and Museum in Massena will showcase an exhibit on the early history of NYPA’s work on the power project, including photographs and mementos dating back to the dam’s construction. For museum hours, visit Massena Chamber of Commerce.

On Friday, Aug. 24, NYPA will host a summer celebration for the community at its Frank S. McCullough Jr., Hawkins Point Visitors Center and Boat Launch on Hawkins Point Road in Massena, featuring live music, fireworks and a free ice cream social. Ice cream will be served from 4-7 p.m., followed by a performance of Fort Drum’s Band. The celebration will conclude with a fireworks display at dusk.

The public is also encouraged to share stories of their own experiences, or that of their family members, from NYPA’s construction and operation over the past six decades. Stories, photos, messages and other materials can be sent to social.media@nypa.gov and will be shared on NYPA’s social media platforms throughout the summer.

All events are free and open to the public.