NIAGARA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENTS

Viewed by hundreds over the summer, now available for purchase on DVD
During several standing room only presentations, over a thousand area residents have enjoyed viewing the popular Downtown Lockport movie series filmed in the 1940s. The History Center is pleased to announce that the original 35 mm movie films for this popular program have been digitally remastered to DVD format and are now available for home viewing. History fans can now watch the movies in the comfort of their easy chair and stop the show to take a closer look at buildings and individuals. The History Center utilized White Bird Productions of Lockport to help organize the films into chapters, add convenient captions and a big-band era sound track. Melissa Dunlap, Niagara County Historical Society executive director stated, "The DVDs have arrived just in time for the holidays and will make great gifts for out-of-town friends and family." The 3-DVD set is priced at $25 and can be picked up at 215 Niagara Street in Lockport. Internet orders will be available soon through an on-line store at NiagaraHistory.org. Phone orders are accepted by calling (716) 434-7433.


Musical Memories display exhibit
Monday through Saturday until the end of March
The History Center of Niagara County is proud to announce the opening of a new exhibit entitled, "Musical Memories," now on display in the Changing Exhibit Room of the Outwater Building at 215 Niagara Street in Lockport. This stroll down musical "memory lane" was crafted by the History Center's "Senior" Exhibit Designers, Donna Campbell and Joan Barry. This pair of volunteers has once again scoured the recesses of collection storage to find dozens of artifacts to delight visitors in keeping with the theme of Musical Memories. The "Musical Melody" exhibit runs through the end of March and can be viewed Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm. A small donation will be accepted at the door to assist the History Center with this and other programs throughout the year. For more information please download the press release (pdf).

"Presidential Pets" President's Day program
Monday, February 18, 2008
Did dogs or cats rule in the White House? Or was it some other kind of pet? Come and find out at a special program offered by The History Center of Niagara County on Presidents' Day, February 18th. "Presidential Pets" will explore the history of domesticated animals that have lived in the Executive Mansion and participants will learn that those animals were not limited to just cats and dogs. Children ages 5 - 12 can bring in a photo of their own pet or a stuffed animal to represent a pet and share their pet "tales" with the group. Pam Hylinger of the SPCA will be on hand to discuss how to choose the right pet for your family and how to properly care for your new or long time pet. Children will then create their own unique "crazy quilt" pet using scraps of fabric. Pet themed snacks will be served at 12 noon. The cost of the program is $5.00 per child, program runs from 10am-1pm. Adults can stay and enjoy the program or can take a tour of the museum while they wait. Reservations are required. Please contact The History Center at 434-7433 for information and reservations. This event is funded by an Oishei Foundation grant for educational programming.

"Abraham Lincoln's Camp David" guest speaker
Thursday, February 28 , 2008 from 2-4pm
James McGrath, a Civil War historian and art collector from Lockport, will present a program entitled, "Lincoln's 'Camp David': Abraham Lincoln and the Soldiers' Home" on Thursday, February 28 from 2 - 4pm at the History Center in Lockport.

Lincoln resided at the Soldiers' Home, a residence for disabled military veterans, for nearly a quarter of his presidency. However, most Americans, Civil War scholars included, are not familiar with this place, which was located near the northwestern boundary of the Capital District, three miles from the White House. Here, Lincoln escaped from the pressures of everyday Washington politics. It was here that he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation, as well as giving him a quiet place to spend time with his family and mull over poetry with his friends. A cavalry unit was used to escort Lincoln between the White House and the Soldiers' Home.

McGrath, holds a degree in history from SUNY Geneseo and has been speaking on various aspects of the Civil War to enthusiastic and appreciative audiences all over Western New York for over five years. This program is open to the public, and pre-registration is not required. A small donation will be accepted at the door. For more information or directions, please contact the Niagara County Historical Society at (716) 434-7433.

Key to the Locks Award Ceremony
May 3, 2008
The Erie Canal Discovery Center is pleased to present the 3rd Annual Key to the Locks Award and Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2008. The Key to the Locks Award will once again be given to a local citizen who best promotes and exemplifies community spirit and heritage. The nominations should live or work in Niagara County. The award was presented last year to David Kinyon, chairman of the Flight of Five Committee and long-time canal and community advocate.

Historic Lockport Towpath Trolley Tours
Available upon group request
Four historic narrated tours to choose from. Please call 716-434-7433 for pricing and availability.

• Stone Houses - Visit the locations of Lockport's early stone homes and learn the history of the builders and owners.
• Entertainers - Meet four of Lockport's famous entertainers and learn about the theatrical venues during past centuries.
• Politicians - Early government leaders share their stories during the trolley tour through related areas.
• Entrepreneurs - Learn how four men impacted the commercial life of the city. Meet them at their homes or businesses.

KIDS EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The History Center offers school, holiday and vacation programs. Call (716) 434-7433 for more information.

School Programs

The Canal Kids Special
This includes a tour of the History Center of Niagara County museum complex, a hands-on activity, and a tour of the new Erie Canal Discovery Center. Lunch and Gift Shop facilities available. Time: 3 hours. Admission fees are $5 per student; no charge for teachers; $3 for all other accompanying adults.

Museum Explorers
This includes a tour of the Niagara County Historical Society museum complex and a hands-on activity. Lunch and Gift Shop facilities available. Time: 2 hours. Admission fees are $2 per student; no charge for teachers; $1 for all other accompanying adults.

Museum Tour Only
A tour of the Niagara County Historical Society museum complex. Time: 1.5 hours. Lunch and Gift Shop available. Admission fees are $1 per student; no charge for teachers; $1 for all other accompanying adults.

Erie Canal Discovery Center Only
A tour of the Erie Canal Discovery Center. Gift Shop will be available. Call regarding lunch arrangements. Time: 45 minutes to one hour. Admission fees are $3 per student and for all adults.  


NCHS works cooperatively with these other venues that also do school programs:

• Towpath Trolley
  (716) 434-7433
• Lockport Lock and Erie Canal Cruises
  210 Market Street, Lockport, NY 14094
  (716) 433-6155
• Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride
  21 Main Street at Pine Street, Lockport, NY 14094
  (716) 438-0174
• Kenan Center
  433 Locust Street, Lockport, NY 14094
  (716) 433-2617
• Colonel William Bond House - 1823
  143 Ontario Street, Lockport, NY 14094
  (716) 434-7433
• Erie Canal Discovery Center
  24 Church Street, Lockport, NY 14094
  (716) 439-0431

The educational programs at the Niagara County Historical Society are partially funded through a generous grant from the Oishei Foundation, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the New York State Council on the Arts.