Living History Program

Meet some of Lockport’s famous citizens through our Step Back in Time Program. Learn about the beginning of the Erie Canal, our early history and industries. Talk with people like DeWitt Clinton, Jesse Hawley, Aunt Edna Smith, Raphael Beck, Kate Chase Seymour, Birdsall Holly, William Rand Kenan, and Sara Lamb Cushing.

The program runs July and August of each year or by appointment. A variety of venues showcase different historical personalities. Relax and listen to our re-enactors on a narrated trolley ride. Guided walks and Cemetery Tales are also available on specific days. (See schedule below.)

Cemetery Tales:

Sunday, August 8, 2010 at Glenwood Cemetery at 2 PM. Meet and greet famous residents of Lockport’s early days. Citizens like John Hodge and Mary Walbridge Hunt will fill you in on their storied pasts. Admission: Adults $7, Students $4. Tickets available at the Erie Canal Discovery Center, 24 Church Street.

Old Home Week Trolleys:

Wednesday, July 28, 2010-Trolley 4-“Ladies” from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. Enjoy a round trip trolley ride and meet three separate living history performers enroute who will play the role of famous Lockport Ladies, including Charlotte Cross, Aunt Edna Smith and Mrs. Wallbridge-Hunt. All tickets will be pre-sold and are limited, so purchase your tickets well in advance at the History Center, 215 Niagara Street or Erie Canal Discovery Center, 24 Church Street, where the trolley will start and end. Seats are $5 each.

Step Back In Time at the Palace Theater

Our Step Back in Time players take center stage at the Palace Theater to celebrate Old Home Week on Thursday, July 29^th at 7 PM at the Palace Theater.  Performers will play the roles of Dewitt Clinton, Raphael Beck, William Rand Kenan and Isabella Sutherland. Special patron seating is available beginning at $5. All patrons receive two complimentary reserved seating tickets to the show and their names will be printed for posterity in the Old Home Week Program.  General seating tickets are available free of charge, first come-first served, at the Lockport Public Library.

Flight of Five Walking Tour

See and hear the amazing story of the locks that created a city and changed a nation as told by a “canaller” who was there to see it. Every Monday through Friday at 10 AM during July and August. Admission: Adults $6, Children $4, including admission to the Erie Canal Discovery Center, 24 Church Street, where the tour starts and ends.