Spearheaded by the North Tonawanda History Museum and advised by Dr. H. William Feder of Niagara Falls, a group of leaders of Niagara County historical organizations  are initiating a project in honor of the 200th anniversary of Niagara County (1808-2008) which will update the descriptive portion and maps of the Niagara Historic Trail.

Donna Zellner Neal, Director of the North Tonawanda History Museum, initiated the project in collaboration with Dr. Feder after noting that a number of constituents of the North Tonawanda History Museum had wondered about the significance of the brown and cream roadside markers denoting the trail.  “No one seemed to know or remember why they were where they are or what the significance of following the trail was,” said Neal.

Having been given a number of very yellow copies of the original 1975 newspaper publication of the Niagara Historic Trail, Neal reviewed the North Tonawanda portion and noted that updating was necessary and could easily by done by Museum staff.  Neal has requested assistance from Niagara County historians.  Already promised is the assistance of Wilma Lass and Elaine Timm of the Historical Society of North German Settlements in Western New York and Charles Cederman, Town of Wheatfield Historian and President of the Town of Wheatfield Historical Society, and Ann Marie Linnaberry of the Niagara County Historical Society.  Thomas Yots, Niagara Falls City Historian, is also participating in the project.

Printed initially as an August 23, 1975 supplement in the Lockport Union Sun & Journal and an August 24, 1975 supplement in the Niagara Gazette and Tonawanda News, the project was created with the support of the Niagara County Legislature in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution (1776-1976).

The North Tonawanda History Museum, Historical Society of North German Settlements in Western New York, Town of Wheatfield Historical Society, and the Niagara County Historical Society hope that other historians in the County will join in their effort to update the descriptions that accompanied the original trail and will help to identify the locations of the existing trail markers.   They are hoping that mapping assistance will also be volunteered for the updating.  The North Tonawanda History Museum will gather the various descriptions and map segments and produce a permanent publication for use by residents of the County, students, and visitors to the County.

The project will be the focus of part of the North Tonawanda History Museum programming for 2008 in recognition of the Niagara County Bicentennial.  Dr. Feder will be the guest speaker at the March 13 (Thursday) evening program (6:30 p.m.) on the Niagara Historic Trail at the DeGraff Community Center, 139 Division Street. 

The April 12 (Saturday) afternoon (2 p.m.), “North Tonawanda’s Birthday Party” program will focus on the  200th anniversary of Niagara County and the Niagara Historic Trail, hoping for exhibits by historical organizations along the trail, at the DeGraff Community Center. 

The May 17 (Saturday all-day) National Preservation Month bus trip will include Dr. Feder and be a tour of all or part of the Niagara Historic Trail by Gray Line bus with lunch at an appropriate restaurant along the trail.

Plans for the bus tour and the two programs will be finalized in the next couple of months. 

Updated descriptions of historical sites in the communities along the Niagara Historic Trail should be supplied as soon as possible to the North Tonawanda History Museum, along with appropriate photos for use in the publication.  A September 2008 release date is anticipated for the new publication, which will be produced in collaboration with Pioneer Printers, Inc., of North Tonawanda, the official printer of the North Tonawanda History Museum.

Individuals and organizations wishing to join the project by providing updated information on the historic sites in their communities are requested to contact Neal as soon as possible for guidelines.  Copies of the original trail publication for the relevant portions may be obtained from the North Tonawanda History Museum if needed for the updating.

Descriptions should be submitted in Word format by email or on a CD.  Photos should be submitted in jpg format by email or on a CD.  Hard copy photos may also be submitted and will be scanned and returned.  Final date for submission of updated descriptions for inclusion in the publication will be March 31. 

In order to avoid duplication of effort, those wishing to participate in the updating are requested to contact Neal as soon as possible.

The 1975 publication noted that “The Niagara Trail is, by many standards, one of the most spectacular tour routes in the world.  It is an historic pathway of pioneers upon which has been shaped the destiny of many nations, especially the United States of America.  For many centuries, this dramatically scenic area of natural and man-made wonders has been an international center for exploration and adventure, industry and invention, agriculture and commerce, art and science, religion and reflective study, recreation and sports.  Over the years, millions of people from many lands have made it their home.  Its history is alive, providing a proud heritage which shapes those no involved in giving form to the future.

“The Niagara Trail defines much more than a network of roads serving as a basic path to all areas of Niagara County; it refers to a way of life, a culture, a heritage.  The Niagara Trail tells the story of the United States of America, as lived by the pioneers of Niagara County, past and present.”

Dr. H. William Feder, as a Niagara County Legislator, served as Chairman of the Niagara County Bicentennial Commission for the development of the original project.  The Niagara County Legislature, through its Department of Economic Development and Planning, undertook in 1975 one of the most spirited, comprehensive and productive Bicentennial programs in the nation, designed not only to celebrate the country’s 200th birthday but to produce lasting and meaningful benefits for al Niagara County residents and visitors to the area.

In order to preserve the work they did 32 years ago, the North Tonawanda History Museum, the Historical Society of North German Settlements in Western New York, the Town of Wheatfield Historical Society, and the Niagara County Historical Society invite their colleagues in Niagara County to help complete the project for the County’s Bicentennial Year.

NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM

Telling the Story of Our City’s Rich Ethnic & Industrial Heritage

As a City Located on the Historic Erie Canal & Mighty Niagara River

314 Oliver Street

North Tonawanda, New York 14120

(716) 213-0554

e-mail: nthistorymuseum@aol.com - website: www.nthistorymuseum.org 

A new museum of the rich immigrant heritage of North Tonawanda, known as “the Lumber Capital of the World,” and its role as an important shipping and manufacturing center on the Historic Erie Canal and the Mighty Niagara River in the 19th and early 20th centuries.  

Museum Hours: Mondays & Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. , Wednesdays through Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also open by appointment; admission free; donations accepted

Proud to be a member of the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

History Museum  2007 “Speakers In The Humanities” Lecture Series Continues with Final Program On Dutch Holiday Traditions
79 Donors and Volunteers of the Year to be honored at the event.

The North Tonawanda History Museum will present the last in its 4-part "Speakers in the Humanities Series" on Saturday, December 8, 2007, at 2 p.m. at the Sutherland Lodge, 1400 Ruie Road, North Tonawanda. 

The program, which is free and open to the public, is made possible through the support of the New York Council for the Humanities’ Speakers in the Humanities Program.  

This final lecture in the four-part series will bring back Ms. Peter G. Rose, who presented "Dutch Influence on the American Kitchen and Life" on September 20.  Ms. Rose will explain the practices brought here by the Dutch settlers in the 17th century that had a lasting impact on American life.  The talk includes the changes that took place, not only in the present-day celebration of Christmas, but also in the festivities surrounding New Year’s, Pinkster (which became an African American holiday) and other events that are cause for celebration, such as the birth of a child.  Slides illustrating the various festive occasions are part of this lecture. 

One of the first to purchase land in what is modern day North Tonawanda from the Holland Land Office was William Vandervoort.  He later sold land from his purchase to Prussian immigrants who settled and named their area “Martinsville.” 
      
2007 Volunteers and Donors of the Year(s)

During the program, 79 volunteers and supporters of the now 4-year old North Tonawanda History Museum will be recognized for their contributions.  To be recognized are:

Business Partners of the Year(s), in recognition of their dedication and support of the North Tonawanda History Museum:  Pioneer Printers, Inc.   2003 – 2007; DeGraff Memorial Hospital – 2004 – 2007; Wizard Communications – 2005 – 2007; Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda – 2003 – 2007; Frank Budwey/Budwey’s – 2003 – 2007; Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas – 2004 – 2007; Pane’s Restaurant – 2004 – 2007; Sherwood Florist; Joe Cecconi’s Chrysler Complex; Hartland Carriages – 2005 – 2007; Gullo’s Macaroni Grill – 2006 – 2007; Greater Buffalo Savings Bank – North Tonawanda Office – 2003 – 2007; Cipriano, Inc., Realty – 2004 – 2007; Brick, Brick & Elmer; Ascension Industries; Michael Mroczka/RealtyUSA – 2004 – 2007.

Volunteer Families of the Year(s), in recognition of their dedicated Volunteer Service to the North Tonawanda History Museum: The George Family; The Neal and Zellner Family - 2003 – 2007; The Santiago Family - 2005 – 2007; The Oney Family – 2006 – 2007; The Martin Family; The Miles Family.

Volunteers of the Year(s), in recognition of their dedicated Volunteer Service to the North Tonawanda History Museum: John Zellner Neal – 2003 – 2007; Danielle Oney – 2006 – 2007; Barbara Wickman – 2003 – 2007; Jane Garis – 2004 – 2007; Walter Wozniak – 2006 – 2007; Josie Pettigrew – 2005 – 2007; Priscilla Zellner Neal – 2003 – 2007; Carol Kopczynski; Margaret Jaenecke; Linda Hankinson; Margaret Cheeley – 2004 – 2007; John & Violet Kolecki – 2006 – 2007; Marilyn Lasky – 2004 – 2007; Dale Rogers - 2004 – 2007; Carl Tamburlin – 2005 – 2007; Joann Mis – 2005 – 2007; Stephen Kurbiel; Donald R. MacDonald; William A. Miles; Thomas M. Galdys; James M. Perry; John H. George – 2003 – 2007; Stephen Ash – 2003 – 2007; Daniel Bille – 2003 – 2007; Peter Smolinski – 2004 – 2007; John & Violet Kolecki – 2006 – 2008.

Student Volunteers of the Year(s), in recognition of their dedicated Volunteer Service to the North Tonawanda History Museum: Jessica Brant – 2006 – 2007  (NTHS); Marcus Brant – 2006 – 2007 (SUNYAB); Jamie Martin  (Bryant & Stratton); Carla Wokersien (Daemen College); Dana Herman  (Starpoint Central High School).

Cultural, Educational, & Community  Partners of the Year, in recognition of their support, advice and collaborative assistance to the North Tonawanda History Museum: North Tonawanda Public Library – 2003 – 2007; SUNYAB School of Architecture & Planning – 2006 – 2007; SUNYAB  Alpha Phi Omega – Epson Sigma Chapter – 2006 – 2007; Buffalo State College Volunteer & Learning Service Center – 2006 – 2007; RSVP Program of Niagara County – 2004 – 2007; Bryant & Stratton; Daemen College; Alterra Sterling House; North Gate Health Care Center; DeGraff Skilled Nursing Facility; North Tonawanda Parks & Recreation Dept.; Tonawanda Future Business Leaders; North Tonawanda High School National Honor Society; B.P.O. Elks Lodge 860; Sutherland Lodge FAM #826; The Riviera Theatre; American Legion Post #264 Band; North Tonawanda Auxiliary Police.

Donors & Benefactors of the Year, in recognition of their dedication and support of the North Tonawanda History Museum: John & Violet Kolecki, James A. Maglisceau, George & Marilyn Soemann – 2003 – 2007; The Kopczynski Family – 2003 – 2007; Niagara County Legislature; Senator George D. Maziarz – 2003 – 2007; Max & Victoria Dreyfus Foundation – 2004 – 2007.

In addition, in recognition of their significant contributions to the creation and development of the North Tonawanda History Museum, Honorary Life Member status will be awarded to:  Cosimo Capozzi and Lawrence V. Soos.

NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM

Telling the Story of Our City’s Rich Ethnic & Industrial Heritage

As a City Located on the Historic Erie Canal & Mighty Niagara River

314 Oliver Street

North Tonawanda, New York 14120

(716) 213-0554

e-mail: nthistorymuseum@aol.com - website: www.nthistorymuseum.org 

A new museum of the rich immigrant heritage of North Tonawanda, known as “the Lumber Capital of the World,” and its role as an important shipping and manufacturing center on the Historic Erie Canal and the Mighty Niagara River in the 19th and early 20th centuries.  

Museum Hours: Mondays & Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. , Wednesdays through Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also open by appointment; admission free; donations accepted

Proud to be a member of the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

The North Tonawanda History Museum will participate in WinterWalk in the Gateway Cities on Saturday, December 1.  Although the History Museum began only four years ago in September 2003, this is the fifth annual WinterWalk in which it has participated.  The Gateway Cities of North Tonawanda in Niagara County and Tonawanda in Erie County are so named because of their location at the western terminus of the NYS Erie Barge Canal since 1918 when the Erie Canal was filled in between the two cities and Buffalo.  They will be host to the annual Downtown Winter Walk 2007, sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Swiftwater Merchants Association of Tonawanda.  

The North Tonawanda History Museum will participate in two indoor locations this year (Greater Buffalo Savings Bank at 107 Main Street and Buffalo Suzuki Strings at 4 Webster Street) with gift tables.

Available for holiday giving will be the History Museum’s three newest publications, one of which is being released specifically during Winter Walk 2007. 

“North Tonawanda Sweet Treasures,” the third in the Museum’s series of Heritage Cookbooks will be offered in time for Christmas giving.  “North Tonawanda Families & Their Favorite Recipes,” the second in the series was released for Canal Fest of the Tonawandas 2007 and will be available for purchase as well.  “North Tonawanda Ethnic Heritage Cookbook,” the first in the series will also be available.  The first cookbook has been reprinted four times since its initial release in 2005.  “North Tonawanda: The Lumber City,” the Museum’s new 428-page hardcover book on the history of the city will also be available for purchase for holiday giving or personal use. 

Free drawings will be included at each location for each of the three cookbooks, and a chance to win the fourth cookbook in the series to be released in time for Valentine’s Day, “Chilly Days in North Tonawanda.”    A separate drawing will also be included with an opportunity to win a copy of “North Tonawanda:  The Lumber City.”

Museum representatives will be present from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby of Greater Buffalo Savings Bank at 107 Main Street.  Museum representatives will also offer free face painting at this location as well, coordinated by Danielle Oney, the Museum’s Administrative Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator.   At the Greater Buffalo Savings Bank site, the North Tonawanda History Museum will also be displaying a special exhibit, “Respect for Diversity:  Valuing Our Museums, Libraries, & the Communities They Create” a traveling exhibit designed and distributed by the Upstate History Alliance.  The exhibit will continue on display through December 21.  Greater Buffalo Savings Bank will be open on December 1, although they are no longer open on other Saturdays.

Museum representatives will also be present with a gift table in the lobby in the Buffalo Suzuki Strings Musical Art Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.    John H. Kolecki, local author, will also be present at the Museum tables in the Buffalo Suzuki Strings location to autograph copies of his two books about growing up Polish in North Tonawanda, “The Hybraid Americaniec Dziadzi (Grandfather)” and “On the Avenues and Beyond.”  The Buffalo Suzuki Strings building was designed by E. B. Green and opened to the public on March 2, 1929, as the Niagara Power Building, housing the power company on one side and the State Trust Bank on the other.  It was constructed on the site of the Scanlon House, a large two-story wooden building that had been a hotel serving the lumber salesmen and bachelors who worked in the lumber yards.

Autographed copies of the three published books of Diane M. Meholick, local author, will also be available at both locations, “Painting Katherine,” “A Switch in Time,” and “Buffalo Stories.”  There will be a drawing for a “coffee with the author” included.  The winner will arrange a convenient time with Meholick.

The North Tonawanda downtown shopping district is called “the DowNTown Shopping District” by the North Tonawanda Merchants Association.  Once the business district for lumber barons, lumber salesmen, and lumber workers, canal boatmen and longshoremen from river and lake freighters, the shopping district was declared part of the Downtown Historic District by the North Tonawanda Historic Preservation Commission in November 2006. 

NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM

Telling the Story of Our City’s Rich Ethnic & Industrial Heritage

As a City Located on the Historic Erie Canal & Mighty Niagara River

314 Oliver Street

North Tonawanda, New York 14120

(716) 213-0554

e-mail: nthistorymuseum@aol.com - website: www.nthistorymuseum.org 

A new museum of the rich immigrant heritage of North Tonawanda, known as “the Lumber Capital of the World,” and its role as an important shipping and manufacturing center on the Historic Erie Canal and the Mighty Niagara River in the 19th and early 20th centuries.  

Museum Hours: Mondays & Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. , Wednesdays through Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also open by appointment; admission free; donations accepted

Proud to be a member of the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

“North Tonawanda:  “The Lumber City”” is in!!!!! Early purchase recommended for holiday giving.

The North Tonawanda History Museum received the first shipment of its first full-length book on the history of North Tonawanda on September 28 and all pre-purchased copies have been distributed, mailed out or are being held for pick up.   The initial order was sold out before it arrived and a second, third, and fourth order have already been received. 

“North Tonawanda:  The Lumber City” is a “love story finally told,” the story of so many thousands upon thousands of individuals, organizations, and businesses that were woven together into the entity North Tonawandans so fondly refer to as just “NT” but which is proud to be the City of North Tonawanda.   The book has been described by some area historians who have had advance opportunities to read it as a “monumental first effort,” and a significant contribution to the city of North Tonawanda, its residents and former residents, and area educational institutions.  It is a general overall account of the city’s development and shares many stories of the people who were part of the life of the city. 

Donna Zellner Neal, Museum Director, is editor of the volume but a number of contributing authors have furnished parts of the text, including A. Daniel Bille, Gretchen Rasch Denk, Allen E. Gademsky, Lloyd Long, Arlene Stocki McNair, Diane M. Meholick, Ken Mountain, Helen Root Schieffer, Harold O. Schwartz, and Ken Sprenger.   Photos included in the book were contributed by many area residents and former residents, including photos from the Wittkowsky Collection.

It is not just a book of photos.  About 20% of the volume is photographs.  The unique and special history of our city could not be told with photos alone.  The book includes eleven parts, with chapters within the parts.  Originally intended to be a 325-page book, the length was expanded to 428 pages, plus 10 introductory pages. Because of the expanded length of the hard-cover book, the publisher requires a cover price of $39.95 each and will charge that for books purchased directly from the publisher and those sold through book stores around the world, for which they will pay royalties to the Museum. 

The Museum, however, stocks the books directly and sells them for $34.95 each.   For a donation of $38.95, a copy of the book will be mailed anywhere in the United States. 

Because so many have already been purchased, those wishing to have copies for holiday giving this year are encouraged to call or come in soon to guarantee that a copy or appropriate number of copies will be available if they are meant for holiday giving.  Museum representatives will be selling them at their two gift tables during Winter Walk on December 1 (in the lobby of Greater Buffalo Savings Bank at 107 Main Street and inside Buffalo Suzuki Strings Musical Arts Center at 4 Webster Street) and will have them at their December 8 Dutch Holidays program and Donor and Volunteer Recognition Program at Sutherland Lodge, 1400 Ruie Road.  That program begins at 2 p.m.

The book is published by Trafford Publishing, which has offices in the United States; Victoria, British Columbia; and in Europe and the United Kingdom.  The book will be distributed throughout North America, the United Kingdom and Europe by the publisher and will be available at major book store retailers at the $39.95 price.  It will be distributed directly by the North Tonawanda History Museum at the $34.95 price to all countries of the world through its North Tonawanda History Museum Online Gift Shop at www.nthistorymuseum.org.  Quantity pricing for schools is available through the Museum.

The Museum will also be releasing its third in the Heritage Cookbook Series, “North Tonawanda Sweet Treasures” in December.  Advance orders are being accepted for that also.  The new cookbook will sell for $15.  The first two cookbooks in the series are available in the Museum as well or from the On-line Gift Shop.

The Museum accepts Master Card and Visa orders and will mail the full-length book or any of its publications to addresses anywhere in the world.
 
Call the Museum at 213-0554 for information.

NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM

Telling the Story of Our City’s Rich Ethnic & Industrial Heritage

As a City Located on the Historic Erie Canal & Mighty Niagara River

314 Oliver Street

North Tonawanda, New York 14120

(716) 213-0554

e-mail: nthistorymuseum@aol.com - website: www.nthistorymuseum.org 

A new museum of the rich immigrant heritage of North Tonawanda, known as “the Lumber Capital of the World,” and its role as an important shipping and manufacturing center on the Historic Erie Canal and the Mighty Niagara River in the 19th and early 20th centuries.  

Museum Hours: Mondays & Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. , Wednesdays through Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also open by appointment; admission free; donations accepted

Proud to be a member of the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!

The North Tonawanda History Museum will participate in WinterWalk in the Gateway Cities on Saturday, December 1.  Although the History Museum began only four years ago in September 2003, this is the fifth annual WinterWalk in which it has participated.  The Gateway Cities of North Tonawanda in Niagara County and Tonawanda in Erie County are so named because of their location at the western terminus of the NYS Erie Barge Canal since 1918 when the Erie Canal was filled in between the two cities and Buffalo.  They will be host to the annual Downtown Winter Walk 2007, sponsored by the Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Swiftwater Merchants Association of Tonawanda.  

The North Tonawanda History Museum will participate in two indoor locations this year (Greater Buffalo Savings Bank at 107 Main Street and Buffalo Suzuki Strings at 4 Webster Street) with gift tables.

Available for holiday giving will be the History Museum’s three newest publications, one of which is being released specifically during Winter Walk 2007. 

“North Tonawanda Sweet Treasures,” the third in the Museum’s series of Heritage Cookbooks will be offered in time for Christmas giving.  “North Tonawanda Families & Their Favorite Recipes,” the second in the series was released for Canal Fest of the Tonawandas 2007 and will be available for purchase as well.  “North Tonawanda Ethnic Heritage Cookbook,” the first in the series will also be available.  The first cookbook has been reprinted four times since its initial release in 2005.  “North Tonawanda: The Lumber City,” the Museum’s new 428-page hardcover book on the history of the city will also be available for purchase for holiday giving or personal use. 

Free drawings will be included at each location for each of the three cookbooks, and a chance to win the fourth cookbook in the series to be released in time for Valentine’s Day, “Chilly Days in North Tonawanda.”    A separate drawing will also be included with an opportunity to win a copy of “North Tonawanda:  The Lumber City.”

Museum representatives will be present from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lobby of Greater Buffalo Savings Bank at 107 Main Street.  Museum representatives will also offer free face painting at this location as well, coordinated by Danielle Oney, the Museum’s Administrative Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator.   At the Greater Buffalo Savings Bank site, the North Tonawanda History Museum will also be displaying a special exhibit, “Respect for Diversity:  Valuing Our Museums, Libraries, & the Communities They Create” a traveling exhibit designed and distributed by the Upstate History Alliance.  The exhibit will continue on display through December 21.  Greater Buffalo Savings Bank will be open on December 1, although they are no longer open on other Saturdays.

Museum representatives will also be present with a gift table in the lobby in the Buffalo Suzuki Strings Musical Art Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.    John H. Kolecki, local author, will also be present at the Museum tables in the Buffalo Suzuki Strings location to autograph copies of his two books about growing up Polish in North Tonawanda, “The Hybraid Americaniec Dziadzi (Grandfather)” and “On the Avenues and Beyond.”  There will be a drawing for a copy of "On the Avenues" also.  The Buffalo Suzuki Strings building was designed by E. B. Green and opened to the public on March 2, 1929, as the Niagara Power Building, housing the power company on one side and the State Trust Bank on the other.  It was constructed on the site of the Scanlon House, a large two-story wooden building that had been a hotel serving the lumber salesmen and bachelors who worked in the lumber yards.

Autographed copies of the three published books of Diane M. Meholick, local author, will also be available at both locations, “Painting Katherine,” “A Switch in Time,” and “Buffalo Stories.”  There will be a drawing for a “coffee with the author” included.  The winner will arrange a convenient time with Meholick.

The North Tonawanda downtown shopping district is called “the DowNTown Shopping District” by the North Tonawanda Merchants Association.  Once the business district for lumber barons, lumber salesmen, and lumber workers, canal boatmen and longshoremen from river and lake freighters, the shopping district was declared part of the Downtown Historic District by the North Tonawanda Historic Preservation Commission in November 2006.

NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM

Telling the Story of Our City’s Rich Ethnic & Industrial Heritage

As a City Located on the Historic Erie Canal & Mighty Niagara River

314 Oliver Street

North Tonawanda, New York 14120

(716) 213-0554

e-mail: nthistorymuseum@aol.com - website: www.nthistorymuseum.org 

A new museum of the rich immigrant heritage of North Tonawanda, known as “the Lumber Capital of the World,” and its role as an important shipping and manufacturing center on the Historic Erie Canal and the Mighty Niagara River in the 19th and early 20th centuries.  

Museum Hours: Mondays & Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. , Wednesdays through Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also open by appointment; admission free; donations accepted

Proud to be a member of the Cultural Alliance of Niagara, Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda and the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas!!