Troy

Since 2009, when the economic recession nearly forced Rensselaer County Historical Society to shut its doors, the cultural organization has established a stronger bottom line.

"It's always a bit of a struggle when you're a cultural nonprofit," said Ilene Frank, executive director.

Frank took over the leadership of RCHS in March 2011. Now, with her fourth anniversary approaching, she said the society has been growing.

"Our attendance is up," she said. RCHS has had a 28.5 percent increase in its number of visitors in four years, and now averages 9,000 a year, up from 7,000.

The bottom line has been stable. RCHS is operating in the black and has strengthened its finances. RCHS's latest tax return, from 2013, shows that its endowment is up to $447,900.

"The fact Troy is doing so well and is seen as a cool place to be has helped," Frank said.

RCHS also is mounting exhibits that tell the history of Troy and Rensselaer County but appeal to a wide age range. The recent exhibit on actress Maureen Stapleton was one of the most popular, Frank said.

An exhibit titled "Scenic Overlooks: Perspectives on Rensselaer County's Changing Landscape" is expected to draw strong interest when it opens on Feb. 27.

RCHS is now embarking on a membership drive. It currently has about 400 members, Frank said.

—Kenneth C. Crowe II