In April we commemorate the passing of one of the most important and influential people in the history of the North Country. William Henry Miner died on April 3, 1930. His will established the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, New York, an educational center with a working dairy farm and Morgan horse herd.
This month, Mountain Lake PBS will air a documentary about Miner’s life and his lasting legacy. As we prepare to share this informative program, our community contributor LeeAnne Ruff sits down with Rachel Dutil, someone dedicated to highlighting the work and mission of Miner Institute.
Dutil is the Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator at Miner Institute. She is a North Country native with a background in journalism who now plays an important role in helping Miner Institute connect with the community through education, outreach, events, and public engagement. In addition to her work at Miner Institute, she serves in several community leadership roles across our region.
Miner Institute currently encompasses over 8,600 acres of forest and agricultural land in the Little Chazy and Great Chazy river watersheds. The Institute is funded through an endowment, research grants and the sale of milk from its dairy operation. Created in 1951, the Institute’s mission is to offer quality research, education, and demonstration programs addressing critical agricultural and environmental issues relevant to Northern New York, Vermont and Quebec farmers.
For more information about Miner Institute, visit www.whminer.org.
Heart’s Delight: The Story of William H. Miner
10th Anniversary airings on Mountain Lake PBS
Monday, April 13th at 9 pm
Tuesday, April 14th at 3 pm
➜ View the trailer for “Heart’s Delight: The Story of William H. Miner.”
The program was produced by Paul Frederick.
Community Contributor LeeAnne Ruff
LeeAnne Ruff is a leadership speaker, coach, and author who has spent decades helping individuals and organizations build stronger communication, healthier culture, and more courageous leadership. She is the founder of ADKWoman, a growing network designed to connect and uplift professional women across the Adirondack region through community, mentorship, and meaningful relationships. Through Brightside Leadership Group LLC, she delivers keynotes, workshops, and coaching focused on practical tools that create real change. She is also the author of My Personal Best and host of the Open For Higher podcast. As a community contributor with Mountain Lake PBS, LeeAnne is committed to telling stories that celebrate local leadership and the everyday people who are building a stronger North Country.