If you live in the North Country, especially in the Plattsburgh area, and haven't been to PARC to see the trio of museums growing and bustling there, you simply need to go. You'll be delighted and possibly surprised with what they have to show you.

Here's how good the Transportation Museum is:

As spectacular as Dr. Anthony Vaccaro's much-publicized 1915 Plattsburgh-made Lozier is, it doesn't overshadow the other vehicles there ... they are all that good.

The museum has in its possession more beautiful, vintage, classic cars than it can exhibit, meaning that, if you visit now and return in six months or a year, you might see plenty you've never seen before.

There are plans for an exhibit wherein children will be able to engage in all kinds of interactive, transportation-related activities.

A rail-car diner is being restored to transport visitors back to another era, five decades ago.

The Battle of Plattsburgh Museum is right now a two-venue operation across the street from the Transportation Museum, but plans are to merge the interpretive center/gift shop with the museum itself for the ease of visitors and staff.

That museum has many original paintings, artifacts and informative pieces demonstrating and explaining Plattsburgh's key role in the War of 1812. A slide show may graduate to a video in the Press-Republican Theater. A 5-by-15-foot diorama re-creates the scene of the land and sea engagements in the Battle of Plattsburgh.

The Clinton County Historical Association Museum is a living record of the history of the county, from Native Americans through the discovery by Samuel de Champlain, the area's role in the Civil War and beyond. Fascinating displays include an 1811 breech-loading military rifle awarded to Martin Aitkin (or Aiken) for illustrious service in the War of 1812.

If you happen to go when docent Ken Wray is patrolling, you'll hear volumes of riveting facts and anecdotes surrounding each item on exhibit.

The association has so many items to display that they can't all be shown. Many are locked away so the exhibits can be rotated. Even to veteran museum-goers, a visit will never get old.

The great part about these museums is that they're just getting started. The Historical Association Museum has been operating in various quarters for years, but it is now established as one of the anchors of the museum campus on the Old Base at PARC.

Residents of all ages will find the displays compelling, and the museums will attract wider and wider audiences as they mature. The Transportation Museum recently won a $1 million state grant, which will enhance the infrastructure. Noticeable improvements will follow as greater attendance and sales increase revenue.

Anyone who attends from this area will immediately be proud of what is on display there. Our history, a crucial part of everyday life here, is eloquently and elegantly documented.

It must be seen.