Free Museum Admission to 46ers

adkgracetrust
Aug 31
2 min read

Updated: Sep 5

In recognition of the Centennial of the Marshalls and Clark completing the first circuit of the Adirondack 46 high peaks in 1925, Grace (#9) and her friend Stephanie Bugden (#187), through the trusts they created in 1995, have arranged to pay the cost of admission to the Adirondack History Museum (Elizabethtown, NY) for 46ers and their families (maximum of 5 family members). In addition, 46ers who visit the museum and get to “know” their mountain climbing history will receive a copy of the Centennial Edition of Bob Marshall’s High Peaks of the Adirondacks and a replica 46r of Troypatch (quantities are limited and available only to registered 46ers—please bring your membership card or at least know your climbing number).

Celebrate 46er history

Get to know our mountains and their history—a mountain tradition unique to the Adirondacks established by the 46ers of Troy (1937-1948), nurtured and cultivated by Grace and her 46er friends.

Stephanie D. Bugden

Stephanie Bugden was born in Green Island, the second youngest of six children. She grew up in extreme poverty and was placed in an orphanage in her youth, a common experience at the time and one that inspired her to philanthropy later in life.

Stephanie and her sister, Louise, were drawn to the mountain-climbing adventures of the charismatic Ed and Grace Hudowalski and the parishioners at Grace Methodist Church in Troy, New York. In 1938, Louise became the second woman to ascend the 46 high peaks, the 14th person to complete that feat. Stephanie followed in the footsteps of her sister and friends, completing the 46 summits in 1960 (#187).

In 1995, Grace and Stephanie coordinated their philanthropic interests, creating separate perpetual charitable foundations. Stephanie established the Charles Douglas Charitable Trust in honor of her first husband. Through that foundation she has provided permanent substantial annual funding to 13 favorite charities, including the Adirondack History Museum. To date, the Douglas Trust has distributed more than $500,000 in unrestricted support tothe Museum, facilitating the upgrade and modernization of facilities, supporting staff, and expanding the Museum’s collection and public education programs and initiatives.

After being widowed in the 1960’s, Grace and Stephanie became the closest and dearest of friends, traveling internationally, sharing holidays and frequent extended visits at Grace’s lakeside home “The Boulders” during the summer months. At 46er meetings, Grace and Stephanie were always present, Stephanie sitting quietly to one side while Grace welcomed new 46ers.