Fees for Seaway Trail Walks are $8 for adults, $4 for children under 12, $6 ea. in groups of 15 or more. The walks can also be scheduled at other times for groups or school classes by advance reservation.

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 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. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century.  

2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon

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 Sets date for First Ethnic Heritage Festival; also seeks student participation

“North Tonawanda: A Celebration of our Ethnic Diversity!” set for October 7, 2006, will be the first bi-annual ethnic heritage festival of the North Tonawanda History Museum. Those individuals or groups who are interested in participating should call the Museum as soon as possible.

Event planners and workers, coordinators, and other participants are presently being interviewed. Needed are individuals or groups willing to perform or present demonstrations of ethnic and occupational skills and crafts, musical performers, dancers, narrators to explain various ethnic traditions with which they are familiar; providers of ethnic foods, individuals/businesses/groups with ethnic items to sell. Also needed are materials to use in exhibits or completed exhibits on various ethnic backgrounds and customs of individuals or groups calling North Tonawanda their home. There is no age limit. Participants may create a school or youth group project or an individual or other group project. Representatives of North Tonawanda organizations are invited to become part of the planning committee. Writers and researchers wishing to assist with creation of the event souvenir book are also invited to contact the Museum.

Students who are North Tonawanda residents—all age levels from elementary through college—are also invited to participate in the ethnic heritage celebration by researching and creating essays, art works, costumes, ethnic craft or occupational items or demonstrations, or musical performances related to North Tonawanda’s ethnic heritage. Projects may be individual or group or class efforts.

Focus can be on any of the original ethnic groups who settled North Tonawanda or on more recent arrivals who now make North Tonawanda their home. Topics may include traditions and customs, holiday celebrations, general history of the immigrant heritage if a particular nationality, clothing, foods, or other appropriate topics.

Selected essays will be used in a souvenir book for “North Tonawanda: A Celebration of Our Diversity!” to be held on October 7, 2006. Art work will be considered for the cover and illustrations in the souvenir book. All created works will be displayed at the festival. The 79 entries in the 2004 student logo design contest will also be displayed at the festival. Ethnic costumes or ethnic craft or occupational demonstrations or musical performances will also be incorporated into the festival. The present 2005 logo design contest entries will also be displayed at the festival.

Prizes will be awarded for some of the best participating projects. Details will be announced in the future when sufficient responses have been received to make it possible to determine categories for allocation of prizes.

Museum representatives plan the celebration to be a bi-annual event. Although still in the developmental stage, as with all Museum programming, their educational responsibility to the community is a central focus of this project.

To register for participation or to discuss how you or your group or class may participate, call the Museum at 213-0554.

For additional information contact the Museum at 213-0554 or by email at nthistorymuseum@aol.com.

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 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. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century.  

2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon

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 Legend of LaBefana and the Feast of the Epiphany” to be presented by History Museum, made possible by the support of the New York Council for the Humanities’ Speakers in the Humanities program

Italian Christmas lecture and musical program scheduled for December 17 as Museum’s 2nd Annual Ethnic Christmas program;

As its Christmas gift to the community, the North Tonawanda History Museum will present a program made possible through the support of the New York Council for the Humanities” Speakers in the Humanities program, on Saturday, December 17 beginning at 1 p.m. in the DeGraff Community Center at 139 Division Street. The program is free and open to the public. Italian Christmas goodies will be the refreshments for the guests, with homemade delicacies by North Tonawanda Mayor Burgio’s wife, Donna; Muscoreil’s Fine Desserts of Wheatfield, and DiCamillo Baking Co., Inc. of Niagara Falls and Lewiston.

“The Legend of LaBefana and the Feast of the Epiphany” will be presented by Dr. Emelise Aleandri, Artistic Director of Frizzi & Lazzi the Olde Time Italian-American Music and Theatre Company in New York City. The program will include a lecture and a musical production celebrating Italian Christmas traditions and culture and is fund for children and adults.

Dr. Aleandri is a singer, actress, and folk dancer. Her production borrows from many different versions of the Italian myth, and recreates the story of the good Italian witch who visits children on the eve of the Epiphany and leaves presents for good children, but coal, stones, and ashes for naughty ones. Many variations on the ancient legend of LaBefana have come down to us by tradition and folklore, but the common thread to all the stories is that on the Eve of the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, Twelfth Night, the night of magic when all things can happen, the Magi, three wise and learned Kings from the mystical East, faithfully and determinedly follow the brightest star in the heavens in a relentless search for a newborn king to welcome him as representatives of their own kingdoms. On their long journey, they unexpectedly encounter an old woman, LaBefana, as she diligently sweeps her little house and they ask her for directions to Bethlehem. The Kings invite her to accompany them but she declines because, she explains, she is too busy cleaning her house and cannot leave. They continue on without her but later Old Befana has misgivings and decides to embark on her own long journey in search of this new mysterious child. Flying through the sky on her magical broom, she never finds him but wherever she does see a sleeping child, she leaves a special gift just in case that one is the newborn king, the Neonato. And she has been fulfilling this purpose on Epiphany eve for centuries. Dr. Aleandri’s musical production brings to life an assortment of colorful characters from the legend.

Frizzi & Lazzi, which means “sparkling theatre,” is a music and theatre company of professional actors, singers, and musicians dedicated to reviving the delightful musical and theatrical entertainments performed by Italian-American immigrants at the turn of the century.

Dr. Aleandri was selected as a Queens Woman of Distinction for 2005 award recipient, from the New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction” program. She has a Ph.D in Theatre and is President of the Metro NY Chapter of the American Italian Historical Association. Arcadia published her photographic histories, “The Italian-American Immigrant Theatre of New York City” and “Little Italy”. She is a frequent lecturer and is working on a multi-volume history of the Italian immigrant theatre for Edwin Mellen Press. She was the 2001 recipient of the Elena Lucrezia Cornaro award from the Order Sons of Italy in America, the 2002 recipient of the Leone di San Marco Award from the Italian Heritage & Culture Committee, and the ETTA Theatre Awardee in 2000.

She has produced three documentaries, and, for ten years was the Producer/Host of “Italics: The Italian-American Magazine,” a nationally-aired cable TV show, and is now an independent producer at the Manhattan Neighborhood network.

Dr. Aleandri’s books will be available for purchase at the event, along with many of the History Museum’s ethnic and historical gift items.

Call the Museum at 213-0554 or email at nthistorymuseum@aol.com for further information.  

Museum Italian Christmas program to include recognition of volunteers and contributors of the year!  

The Board of Trustees of the North Tonawanda History Museum will honor a number of its volunteers, donors, and other supporters for their contributions in the Museum’s first two years of existence at this event as part of their Italian Christmas program on December 17.

To be recognized are: VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR(S) 2003-2005: Stephen Ash, Betty Brandon, John Zellner Neal, Priscilla Zellner Neal, and Barbara Wickman, all of North Tonawanda; Cynthia Fredricks, formerly of North Tonawanda and now of Huchinson, Kansas; Jane Garis, formerly of North Tonawanda and now of Niagara Falls; JamiLee Piatt, formerly of North Tonawanda and now of Holland, New York.

Also: VOLUNTEER FAMILIES OF THE YEAR(S) 2003-2005: The Mittiga Family ( Joe, Judy, Ricky, Gabbie,and Lydia), The Neal Family ( Donna, John, Priscilla Neal; Kathy Delbert; Liz Hall; Lea Aquino; Bryan Blandford; Danielle Oney; Matthew DiNatale; Frank Zellner), and The Santiago Family ( Lou, Joyce, Sara, Maria, Leah Santiago; Bryan and Jason Kastelan; Michael Giglia), all of North Tonawanda.

Also: DONORS & BENEFACTORS OF THE YEAR(S) 2003-2005: Anthony Abdulla, of San Francisco, California; Frank Budwey, DeGraff Memorial Hospital, Downtown Merchants Association, (the late) John and Alexandra Kopczynski, George D. Maziarz, The Neal Family, Pioneer Printers, Barbara Wickman, and David Zobrist, all of North Tonawanda; Keyser Buick, Inc., and Sterling Sommer, Inc., of the City of Tonawanda; Arlene Stocki McNair, of the Town of Tonawanda; - George and Marilyn Soemann of Appleton; and HSBC Bank, N.A., and RealtyUSA.

And: STUDENT VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR(S) 2003-2005

Abigail Cliff. of Grand Island, Michael El-Sharif of the City of Tonawanda, Ashley Herman of Lockport, Kathryn Jordan of North Tonawanda, Jason Law of the City of Tonawanda, Priscilla Neal, of North Tonawanda, and Heather Sowder of West Seneca.

And: CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS 2003-2005

Buffalo Suzuki Strings, Ghostlight Theatre, Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, North Tonawanda Public Library, and the North Tonawanda City School District.

To access an event flyer for the 2nd Annual Ethnic Christmas, please click HERE and Save the document to your computer for viewing in your Word Processor.

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 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. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century.  

2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon

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!!

Museum Announces 2006 Board of Trustees, Finance Committee and Advisory Committee  

At its December 5 meeting, the Board of Trustees of the North Tonawanda History Museum named five new Trustees and elected officers for the coming year: Joyce M. Santiago, President; Judith L. Mittiga, Vice President & Vice Treasurer; George F. Rand IV, Treasurer; Donna Zellner Neal, Secretary; Paula M. Belair; Margaret A. Cheeley; Paul F. Hoover; Marilyn Pane Lasky; and Diane M. Meholick.

All but Rand and Meholick are North Tonawanda residents.

Rand is an Amherst resident and a descendent of the Calvin G. Rand/Almira Hershey Long Rand family which played an important role in the history of North Tonawanda. Almira was a daughter of Benjamin Long and Mary Hershey Long of the Long Homestead in the present City of Tonawanda. The first George Franklin Rand was a brother of Benjamin Long Rand, a banker who also served as Mayor of North Tonawanda, serving two terms, from 1915-1918, and James H. Rand, who was the father of James H. Rand, Jr., whose manufacturing company united with the Kardex Co., the Remington Co., and ultimately Sperry-Rand. Remington Rand operated a plant in North Tonawanda, as well as one in the City of Tonawanda.

The Rand Building in Buffalo is named for and dedicated as a memorial to George F. Rand in appreciation of his worth as a citizen and the outstanding services rendered by him to the Marine Trust Company of Buffalo and its predecessors, the Marine National Bank, Bankers Trust Company of Buffalo, Central National Bank, and Columbia National Bank as Chief Executive during the period from 1901 until his death in 1919. George F. Rand originally organized the First National Bank of Tonawanda. His mergers and consolidations did in the banking field what James, Jr., had done in manufacturing. His son, George Rand, Jr., became a banker as well and became President of Marine Trust, and George IV’s father, George F. Rand III also played a vital role in the banking history of Western New York.

Meholick is a North Tonawanda native who now resides in Niagara Falls. A title examiner for SecoLink Settlement Services, LLC, she is also a novelist with degrees in Media Communications and Humanities from Medaille College. She has published two historical novels, one of which takes place in North Tonawanda, and is working on a third.

Santiago is Insurance Administrator for the Chamber of Commerce of the Tonawandas. Mittiga is an accounting assistant with the HSBC Mortgage Corp. Neal was a founding Trustee of the Museum and has served as its volunteer Director since its inception. A member of the 2003-4 City committee to draft a Historic Preservation Ordinance, she was appointed to the first North Tonawanda Historic Preservation Commission in 2005 and serves as its secretary. She also serves as the North Tonawanda Coordinator for the Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier. Hoover was the founder of Pioneer Printers, Inc., following his beginning career with Martin Printing and his subsequent purchase of that business.

Cheeley is a retired art teacher and operates her own antique business; she served on the 2004 committee to draft a Historic Preservation Ordinance for North Tonawanda and was appointed to the new North Tonawanda Historic Preservation Commission in 2005. Lasky is an employee of Impressive Imprints and also served on the 2004 committee to draft a City Historic Preservation Ordinance.

Belair is a former Scanton, Pa., resident who served as Children’s Librarian with the Scranton Public Library. She is an active community volunteer and adjunct faculty at Medaille College.

Cheeley, Lasky, and Belair were homeowner participants in the Museum’s Award-winning Historic Treasures Tour 2005. The tour and the resultant guidebook of historic North Tonawanda created for it recently earned the Museum an Organizational Award of Merit from the Western New York Association of Historical Agencies.

Donna Zellner Neal was re-appointed Director. John Zellner Neal was re-appointed Webmaster. Both are North Tonawanda residents. Jane Garis continues as Archival Records Coordinator. Garis is a North Tonawanda native now residing in Niagara Fals. Mustafa (Michael) El-Sharif is Curatorial/Education Assistant. Jason Law continues as Oral History Program Coordinator. El-Sharif and Law are residents of the City of Tonawanda. All are volunteers. El-Sharif is a Niagara University student; Law is a D’Youville College student.

Trustees Emeritus are: Paul A. Rumbold, Jr.; Kay Learned; John Borycki; Cynthia Fredricks; and Betty A. Brandon. Each served as President during the Museum’s start up period. Rumbold, a Wheatfield resident, is a fifth generation member of the Wagenschuetz Hardware family and son of former Mayor Paul Rumbold. Learned, a former history teacher, is co-owner of Hodgepodge on Webster Street. She serves on the Nominating & Governance Committee. Borycki, a City of Tonawanda resident, a former history teacher, is an active community volunteer. Fredricks, who now resides in Hutchinson, Kansas, was Executive Secretary to Chris Lane, President of DeGraff Memorial Hospital, during her term as Museum President. She chaired the 1 st Heritage Cookbook Committee and the Community Relations Committee. She serves on the Nominating & Governance Committee. Brandon is retired from National Fuel Gas. Brandon, who also served as Museum Treasurer,was chair of the Museum’s Historic Treasures Tour 2005.

The Board of Trustees also announces its Finance Committee membership and Advisory Committee membership for 2006:

2006 Finance Committee: George F. Rand IV, Chair; William M. Davignon, Vice Chair; Jodie Alexander; Michele Kertzie; Judith L. Mittiga; Donna Zellner Neal; and Joyce Santiago. Alexander, a Williamsville resident, is an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of the North Tonawanda branch of Greater Buffalo Savings Bank; Davignon is a chemist with the City of North Tonawanda Wastewater Treatment Plant, a past officer of the CSEA Local 832/Unit 7692 Union; and an active community volunteer and former 9 th District Niagara County Legislator; Davignon is a Charter Honorary Life Member of the Museum and has served on its Advisory Committee since its inception; Kertzie is an Assistant Vice President of First Niagara Bank and manages the North Tonawanda branch.

2006 Advisory Committee: Kurt P. Alverson, A. Daniel Bille, Elizabeth M. Brick-Schutt, Thomas A. Chambers, Penny Creasey, William M. Davignon, Randy C. Fahs, Esq., Dr. John H. George, Carl P. Hoover, Thomas M. Jaccarino, Daniel R. Killian, Dale M. Marshall, Michael B. Mroczka, John W. Percy, Rae Proefrock, Paul A. Rumbold, Jr., Lou Santiago, Leslie J. Stolzenfels, Brett M. Sommer, and Margaret A. Waite.

The North Tonawanda History Museum began as a grassroots interest group on September 10, 2003, received its Provisional Charter from the Regents of the State University of New York on April 20, 2004, and has occupied its present temporary facilities at 314 Oliver Street since August 2004. A permanent future home for the museum is on the planning boards and the focus of “The Future of Our Past” Capital Campaign, which is expected to kick off its official campaign in the next couple of months.

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 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. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century.  

2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon

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!!

Dear North Tonawanda Resident or Business or Other Property Owner:

The North Tonawanda History Museum is proud to announce an opportunity for you to recognize and promote the history of your property and to encourage interest in the history of North Tonawanda ’s homes and other structures. The North Tonawanda History Museum Historic Treasures Recognition Program will be an ongoing program. Plaques may be obtained through the Museum for any property for which historical documentation is available. Your property does not need to have been officially designated as historical to qualify for this program.

Oval cast bronze plaques with your choice of brown, black, or dark green background, and your choice of 11”x8”, 10”x7”, or 7”x 5” size are available. Suggested wording on the plaques would include a commonly accepted historical name of the home or building, such as “The Wurlitzer Home,” and/or the street address or house number, and/or “Designed by (architect or builder). Each plaque will contain the wording: “Historic Treasures Recognition Program—of the North Tonawanda History Museum ”.

All properties participating in the program will become part of the Museum’s future walking history tours and will be included in appropriate printed materials and publications of the Museum. Individuals, groups, or businesses wishing to sponsor plaques for community sites, such as parks, cemeteries, churches, schools, etc., may do so as well.

To participate, send your payment to the North Tonawanda History Museum and complete the following:

Click HERE and choose to save this printable form to your computer for use in your word processor.

Please call the Museum at 213-0554 if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Donna Zellner Neal

Director

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 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. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century.  

2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon

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 LAUNCHES HISTORIC TREASURES RECOGNITION PROGRAM

The North Tonawanda History Museum is proud to announce an opportunity for City residents and businesses or other organizations to recognize and promote the history of their property and to encourage interest in the history of North Tonawanda ’s homes and other structures.

The North Tonawanda History Museum Historic Treasures Recognition Program will be an ongoing program. Plaques may be obtained through the Museum for any property for which historical documentation is available. Your property does not need to have been officially designated as historical to qualify for this program. Museum personnel will assist property owners in determining the historical nature of their property.

Oval cast bronze plaques with a choice of brown, black, or dark green background, and a choice of 11”x8”, 10”x7”, or 7”x 5” size are available. Suggested wording on the plaques would include a commonly accepted historical name of the home or building, such as “The Wurlitzer Home,” and/or the street address or house number, and/or “Designed by (architect or builder). Each plaque will contain the wording: “ North Tonawanda History Museum Historic Treasures Recognition Program”.

All properties participating in the program will become part of the Museum’s future walking history tours and will be included in appropriate printed materials and publications of the Museum. Individuals, groups, or businesses wishing to sponsor plaques for community sites, such as parks, cemeteries, churches, schools, etc., may do so as well.

For more information or an order form, call the Museum at 213-0554 or email to nthistorymuseum@aol.com or visit the North Tonawanda History Museum Online at www.nthistorymuseum.org.

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 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. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century.  

2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon

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 LAUNCHES HISTORIC TREASURES RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Photos and Sample Layouts Available on North Tonawanda History Museum Online

The North Tonawanda History Museum is proud to announce an opportunity for City residents and businesses or other organizations to recognize and promote the history of their property and to encourage interest in the history of North Tonawanda ’s homes and other structures.

The North Tonawanda History Museum Historic Treasures Recognition Program will be an ongoing program. Plaques may be obtained through the Museum for any property for which historical documentation is available. Your property does not need to have been officially designated as historical to qualify for this program. Museum personnel will assist property owners in determining the historical nature of their property.

Oval cast bronze plaques with a choice of brown, black, or dark green background, and a choice of 11”x8”, 10”x7”, or 7”x 5” size are available. Suggested wording on the plaques would include a commonly accepted historical name of the home or building, such as “The Wurlitzer Home,” and/or the street address or house number, and/or “Designed by (architect or builder). Each plaque will contain the wording: “ North Tonawanda History Museum Historic Treasures Recognition Program”.

To see what the plaques look like and for sample layouts, visit the museum’s website at www.nthistorymuseum.org. The scroll on the home page has a link to take you directly to the information about the program. You may also download an application form to order your plaque by mail.

All properties participating in the program will become part of the Museum’s future walking history tours and will be included in appropriate printed materials and publications of the Museum. Individuals, groups, or businesses wishing to sponsor plaques for community sites, such as parks, cemeteries, churches, schools, etc., may do so as well.

For more information or an order form, call the Museum at 213-0554 or email to nthistorymuseum@aol.com or visit the North Tonawanda History Museum Online at www.nthistorymuseum.org.

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 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. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century.  

2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon

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 announces volunteer opportunities for adults and students and groups

The North Tonawanda History Museum will host its third season of North Tonawanda Seaway Trail Walks in 2006. The 1-1/2 hour guided walking tours will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays at Project Pride Way on the west side of Webster Street between Tremont Street and Goundry Street. Located in the Historic DowNTown North Tonawanda Shopping District, Project Pride Way joins Webster Street across from the Historic Riviera Theatre. The walks begin on June 7 and continue to September 27, 2006. They are 90 -minute walking tours of the City's lumber and industrial history and historic mansions. Needed are individuals wishing to be trained to serve as walking tour guides. Training sessions can be planned at your convenience, but trainees will have to be available at least for several Wednesday evenings during June, July, August, and September. 

“North Tonawanda : A Celebration of our Ethnic Diversity!” set for October 7, 2006, will be the first bi-annual ethnic heritage festival of the North Tonawanda History Museum. Those individuals or groups who are interested in participating should call the Museum as soon as possible. Event planners and workers, coordinators, and other participants are presently being interviewed. Needed are individuals or groups willing to perform or present demonstrations of ethnic and occupational skills and crafts, musical performers, dancers, narrators to explain various ethnic traditions with which they are familiar; providers of ethnic foods, individuals/businesses/groups with ethnic items to sell. Also needed are materials to use in exhibits or completed exhibits on various ethnic backgrounds and customs of individuals or groups calling North Tonawanda their home. There is no age limit. Participants may create a school or youth group project or an individual or other group project. Representatives of North Tonawanda organizations are invited to become part of the planning committee. Writers and researchers wishing to assist with creation of the event souvenir book are also invited to contact the Museum.

Students who are North Tonawanda residents—all age levels from elementary through college—are also invited to participate in the ethnic heritage celebration by researching and creating essays, art works, costumes, ethnic craft or occupational items or demonstrations, or musical performances related to North Tonawanda’s ethnic heritage. Projects may be individual or group or class efforts. Focus can be on any of the original ethnic groups who settled North Tonawanda or on more recent arrivals who now make North Tonawanda their home. Topics may include traditions and customs, holiday celebrations, general history of the immigrant heritage if a particular nationality, clothing, foods, or other appropriate topics. Selected essays will be used in a souvenir book for “ North Tonawanda : A Celebration of Our Diversity!” to be held on October 7, 2006. Art work will be considered for the cover and illustrations in the souvenir book. All created works will be displayed at the festival. The 79 entries in the 2004 student logo design contest will also be displayed at the festival. Ethnic costumes or ethnic craft or occupational demonstrations or musical performances will also be incorporated into the festival. The present 2005 logo design contest entries will also be displayed at the festival. Prizes will be awarded for some of the best participating projects. Details will be announced in the future when sufficient responses have been received to make it possible to determine categories for allocation of prizes. Museum representatives plan the celebration to be a bi-annual event. Although still in the developmental stage, as with all Museum programming, their educational responsibility to the community is a central focus of this project.

The North Tonawanda History Museum, in collaboration with Ghostlight Theatre, will present the second “13 Historic Ghosts of the Niagara Frontier,” in the “Haunted Gardens on the EEErie Canal” on three evenings in October, the 13 th, 20 st, and 27 th, from 7 to 10 p.m. each evening. The event will take place in the North Tonawanda Botanical Gardens on Sweeney Street, just north of East Robinson Street. Area youngsters and their adult group leaders and parents will take an active role in the event, which has been designed as an educational event to afford community service opportunities to area students and volunteer opportunities to students of all ages and to provide Halloween entertainment for residents and visitors to North Tonawanda. Joanne Mis and Carl Tamburlin of Ghostlight Theatre will again coordinate the creation of skits and logistics for the Guided Stroll through the Haunted Gardens. Hartland Carriages will provide a “Haunted Hay Ride” and refreshments and gift items will be available for purchase in the “Haunted Greenhouse.” North Tonawanda History Museum volunteers will coordinate ticket sales and the Haunted Hay Ride and Haunted Greenhouse, parking and traffic control, and ticket collection. Youth groups and individual youngsters are needed to create tableaus for the haunted hay ride. Youngsters or older students wishing to work with Ghostlight Theatre representatives to participate in the thirteen skits are also needed. Participants must be available for several rehearsals, as well as for the introductory/orientation session, and for all three weeks of performances. Additional volunteers are needed for parking lot security and safety and to assist in the haunted greenhouse.

To register for participation or to discuss how you or your group or class may participate in these or other Museum projects, call the Museum at 213-0554 or contact by email at nthistorymuseum@aol.com.

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 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. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century.  

2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon

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!!

Museum Requests Input from Community on Selection of Winning Logo Entry  

In conjunction with plans for the future permanent home of the North Tonawanda History Museum, the Board of Trustees offered residents and former residents of North Tonawanda the opportunity to create a permanent logo for the Museum in 2005. The Future of Our Past Logo Design Contest was open to residents of North Tonawanda. Residents and former residents are now invited to vote for their favorite design. To view the participating entries and submit your vote, visit the North Tonawanda History Museum Online at www.nthistorymuseum.org.

The North Tonawanda History Museum belongs to the residents and former residents of North Tonawanda who treasure the City's history. Museum programming and plans for the Museum's future have all been based on input from the community since the first interest group meeting in September 2003. The contest was a follow up to the contest sponsored by the Museum in 2004 for North Tonawanda school students. This contest resulted in 79 entries, with wonderful artwork coming in from all North Tonawanda School District elementary and middle schools and from St. Mark's Lutheran School. There were four winning entries in this contest, which generated ideas which led to the motto, “The Future of Our Past.” The entries in this first contest were actual works of art rather than logos per se. This year’s contest resulted in seven entries focusing on the theme, “The Future of Our Past.” Entries may still be submitted through December 31.

Since the contest was announced, plans have been moving forward for the Museum’s future permanent home, expected to be named “The Lumber City History Center.” The Museum’s Board of Trustees expects to announce its official Capital Campaign for the permanent Museum home in 2006. The logo selected from the 2005 contest will serve as the logo for the Capital Campaign and until the permanent home is a reality, at which time a permanent logo focusing on the Lumber City History Center will replace the temporary one.

The mission of the North Tonawanda History Museum is to assemble, preserve, protect, and exhibit collections pertaining to the history of North Tonawanda, its people and community life, focusing especially on our rich immigrant heritage and role as an important shipping and manufacturing center strategically located on the historic Erie Canal and the Niagara River in the 19th and 20th centuries. As a research and educational institution, we plan to be both an active participant in the historical and cultural tourism focus of North Tonawanda and a focal point for students of all ages to participate in historical studies and activities of the City.

The winner will receive a $100 Savings Bond.

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 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. Known as the “Lumber Capital of the World” in the late 19th century.  

2005 Office Hours: Mondays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to noon

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!!

Donors and Volunteers of the History Museum ’s First Two Years Honored at Italian Christmas Program

The Board of Trustees of the North Tonawanda History Museum honored a number of its volunteers, donors, and other supporters for their contributions in the Museum’s first two years of existence as part of their Italian Christmas program on December 17 in the DeGraff Community Center at 139 Division Street.

Recognized were: VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR(S) 2003-2005: Stephen Ash, Betty Brandon, John Zellner Neal , Priscilla Zellner Neal, and Barbara Wickman, all of North Tonawanda; Cynthia Fredricks, formerly of North Tonawanda and now of Huchinson, Kansas; Jane Garis, formerly of North Tonawanda and now of Niagara Falls; JamiLee Piatt , formerly of North Tonawanda and now of Holland, New York.

Also: VOLUNTEER FAMILIES OF THE YEAR(S) 2003-2005: The Mittiga Family ( Joe, Judy, Ricky, Gabbie,and Lydia), The Neal Family ( Donna, John, Priscilla Neal; Kathy Delbert; Liz Hall; Lea Aquino; Bryan Blandford; Danielle Oney; Matthew DiNatale; Frank Zellner), and The Santiago Family ( Lou, Joyce, Sara, Maria, Leah Santiago; Bryan and Jason Kastelan; Michael Giglia), all of North Tonawanda.

Also: DONORS & BENEFACTORS OF THE YEAR(S) 2003-2005: Anthony Abdulla, of San Francisco, California; Frank Budwey, DeGraff Memorial Hospital, Downtown Merchants Association, (the late) John and Alexandra Kopczynski, Senator George D. Maziarz, The Neal Family, Pioneer Printers, Barbara Wickman, and David Zobrist, all of North Tonawanda; Keyser Buick, Inc., and Sterling Sommer, Inc., of the City of Tonawanda; Arlene Stocki McNair, of the Town of Tonawanda; George and Marilyn Soemann of Appleton; and HSBC Bank, N.A., and RealtyUSA.

And: STUDENT VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR(S) 2003-2005

Abigail Cliff. of Grand Island, Michael El-Sharif of the City of Tonawanda, Ashley Herman of Lockport, Kathryn Jordan of North Tonawanda, Jason Law of the City of Tonawanda, Priscilla Neal, of North Tonawanda, and Heather Sowder of West Seneca.

And: CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS 2003-2005

Buffalo Suzuki Strings, Ghostlight Theatre, Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, North Tonawanda Public Library, and the North Tonawanda City School District.