History of the Museum / News Release Archive - May 2005
* Represents newest additions to our Archive
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 or 692-2681 - 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 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 1 to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 to noon
Also open by appointment
NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM ONLINE
OFFERS VIRTUAL MUSEUM EXPERIENCE
The Board of Trustees of the all-volunteer North Tonawanda History Museum extends an invitation to all North Tonawanda residents and former residents who have access to the internet to visit the North Tonawanda History Museum Online.
Established October 15, 2003, with a donated site and a pledge of donated web services by Honorary Charter Life Member Theresa L. Carpentieri, a former North Tonawanda resident now residing in California, the response to the new site was immediate, enthusiastic, quite unexpected, and actually overwhelming.
The community of NT'ers around the world we discovered through the site was something we'd never anticipated. In addition to creating a brand new organizational structure for an actual museum which current North Tonawanda residents also responded to immediately and enthusiastically), we found ourselves with an ever-expanding site. We'd never done a web site before. We'd never done a museum before! People were asking for as much of North Tonawanda as we could share with them. We were not in a building other than our own homes until August 2004. We were, however, carrying out successful museum programming on the local level, earning us the prestigious Daniel B. Niederlander Award from the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society in October 2004.
It should be noted that we began as an idea in the imagination of a handful of residents in June 2003 and held our first public meeting on September 10, 2003. On April 20, 2004, the Board of Regents of the State University of New York recognized our accomplishments and proposed format by granting us a Provisional Charter. Soon after, the Internal Revenue Service granted us 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, retroactive to the date of our Charter.
As an emerging fledgling grassroots all-volunteer organization, we had undertaken what has since been realized to have been an impossible amount of effort. By all rules of reality, the project we began on September 10, 2003, should have taken years to accomplish. Because we didn't know it should have been impossible, we did it!
On June 16, 2005, we will hold our first Annual Meeting to honor our wonderful Advisory Committee members and those individuals we have extended Honorary Charter Life Membership to for their outstanding contributions to our new Museum, to distribute our first Annual Report and financial statements prepared by our accounting firm, James Amato & Company.
While accepting the unbelievable task of creating an actual museum, establishing start up facilities, and working to obtain a permanent future home, along with continuing our ongoing regular programming, we also realized we had created a web site that was only partially meeting our needs as a museum and the desires of our NT'ers around the world.
In the summer of 2004, we lost the services of our original web site creator due to personal and family health concerns. The web site had taken on a life of its own and required far more time and effort than any of us had envisioned or were prepared for.
From our inception as an organization, the Board of Trustees has requested, accepted, and acted on the input and suggestions of those we serve—NT'ers and former NT'ers around the world—and the general public with an interest in our City's history. The actual existing Museum and its programming, the future permanent Museum plans, and the Museum Online have all been created around that input. It has never been “our” Museum. It has always been our objective to create the Museum desired by those who became part of the effort and those who it is meant to serve.
On February 1, 2005, after a transitional period of eight months, during which we evaluated what had been asked for by visitors to the site from October 15, 2003, through January 31, 2005, and our needs for sharing ongoing information, one of our younger members, John P. Zellner Neal, with a love for the newest technology and, as one of our Honorary Charter Life Members who has been an intimate part of the Museum creation and development from the beginning, was given the responsibility by the Board of Trustees to transform the existing web site into the Online Museum we felt was required.
As with our actual Museum and collections, the Online Museum will never be “complete.” We intend to always be growing, adapting to the needs and desires of those we serve. We proudly announced the re-launching of our site on March 8, 2005. It is now modified daily, with a regular daily schedule of additions and changes, a dedicated volunteer web master and a dedicated assistant, Dianne Flay, who has been a proof reader and reviewer since early in the creation of the original website.
John Neal, who is 24 years old, working closely with his mother, volunteer Museum Director, Donna Zellner Neal, has crafted the format the Board of Trustees felt was needed. Our web site at www.nthistorymuseum.org is not meant to be merely a promotional tool to inform visitors of our purpose and activities. It does do that. However, its purpose is to provide visitors with the experience of a real visit to our Museum and to provide the history and even current information on our wonderful “best little city in New York,” North Tonawanda, to people around the world.
Since March 8, we have had regular contact with visitors who reside in Germany, England, Poland, the Netherlands, Russia, Canada, and nearly every state in the United States. We've had occasional visits from individuals living in 41 different countries.
So new that we aren't yet listed in phone books, our actual start up Museum on Oliver Street has had visitors from all over Western New York and, although only open 23 hours a week, and in cramped quarters, we average 200 visitors a month. The Online Museum averages nearly 1,000 visitors a month.
The North Tonawanda History Museum Online offers a variety of information not normally available from such a fledgling organization. Present and prospective members and donors can see the by-laws, collection management policies, 990's and annual reports, our Provisional Charter, our 501(c)(3) determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service. Interested individuals may download deeds of gift forms for donations, membership and volunteer applications, applications for our contests, may shop in our online gift shop.
A history of the Museum's creation is being archived by news releases, our weekly “Remembering Yesteryear” column and copies of major news articles about our progress.
There are numerous galleries of photos of Museum activities and related to the historical material found under the Collections section. Visitors to the site can see our Museum volunteers at work in our activities and programming in these photo galleries. Visitors may also take a virtual visit to our actual Museum by visiting one of these galleries.
New additions to the collections and their potential future use are the focus of another gallery. The Museum staff is unable to display all of its rapidly-growing collections in the actual Museum because of limited space. We include a sampling in the actual Museum and a sampling in the Online Museum as well. We have been fortunate to obtain safe and secure temporary storage space at another location for the rapidly accumulating larger items in our collection which just will not fit in our start up location.
Scheduled events, interactive forums, links to most of Western New York's cultural and historical venues, and many other features are included in the site.
Visitors to the North Tonawanda History Museum Online will require many repeat visits to experience it all. Because it is updated daily and expands daily, it will always have something new to view. Our intent is for visitors to the Online Museum to feel that they are a real part of our ongoing effort to create the actual permanent Museum, as well as to feel that they are part of our daily ongoing activities.
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 or 692-2681 - 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 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 1 to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 to noon
Also open by appointment
North Tonawanda History Museum Awarded Folk Lore Grant
The North Tonawanda History Museum has been approved for a $1,500 consultancy grant from the New York Folklore Society to cover the services of a credentialed folklorist mentor in the planning stages of the Museum's 1st Annual North Tonawanda Ethnic Heritage Festival, planned for October 7, 2006. Claire Aubrey, the folklorist selected by Museum representatives, will meet with Museum representatives from June 9 through September 29, 2005, as they begin planning the event for 2006. The grant will also cover the consultant's transportation costs.
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 or 692-2681 - 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 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 1 to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 to noon
Also open by appointment
Last call for reservations for North Tonawanda History Museum Preservation Month bus trip to Niagara County Historical Society
Last call has been announced for registrations for the May 21 bus trip to the Niagara County Historical Society in Lockport sponsored by the North Tonawanda History Museum.
The event is a joint participation in Preservation Month 2005 by the two historical organizations, with the Niagara County Historical Society hosting North Tonawanda History Museum guests. The Historical Society has assisted the new North Tonawanda History Museum with direction and guidance in its start up phase.
Attendees will meet at the North Tonawanda History Museum at 314 Oliver Street at 9 a.m. Parking will be available in the lot behind Ascension Church's Monsignor Szabo Hall on Vandervoort Street between Robinson and Keil or on city streets near the Museum. The bus will leave 314 Oliver Street at 9:30 a.m. Attendees will tour the five historic homes on the Historical Society campus and pay a visit to the Outwater Emporium Gift Shop.
The bus will leave Lockport at 12:30 for a trip to Pane's Restaurant for a 1:15 p.m. luncheon. The bus will then drop attendees off at either the Monsignor Szabo Hall parking lot or at the Museum. A $25 advance registration is required, which includes the bus trip, parking, admission, and the luncheon.
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
Administrative Office: 314 Oliver Street - Mailing Address: 195 Goundry Street
North Tonawanda, New York 14120
(716) 213-0554 or 692-2681 - 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 5 to 9 p.m., Tuesdays 1 to 9 p.m., Thursdays 9 to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 to noon
Also open by appointment
Betty A. Brandon and Judith M. Mittiga Chair Summer Events for Museum
Betty A. Brandon, a North Tonawanda resident, is chair of the Historic Treasures Tour 2005 sponsored by the North Tonawanda History Museum. The event, to be held Sunday, July 31, will include a walking/driving tour of ten historic homes, five historic church buildings, and four other historic North Tonawanda buildings. A Cinderella carriage ride, free shuttle vans provided by Skill Buick, and a Towpath Tea in historic Pinewoods Park will complete the day's events. Brandon is a member of the Museum's Board of Trustees, serving as President. She also is a member of the Finance Committee and of the Community Relations Committee. She has recently retired after 39 years with National Fuel Gas and is a Staff Assistant in the Museum offices.
Judith M. Mittiga, also a North Tonawanda resident, is chair of the Lumber City Scavenger Hunt, a contest wherein people must visit participating North Tonawanda businesses to obtain the answer to a question supplied by each business. A Museum Trustee, serving as Treasurer, she is also chair of the Personnel Committee, which has oversight over the volunteer program in the all-volunteer organization. In addition, she is a member of the Community Relations Committee and serves as Volunteer Coordinator. She is an operations assistant with HSBC Bank.
HSBC Bank N.A. has recently awarded a $350 grant to the North Tonawanda History Museum in recognition of HSBC Bank Mittiga's volunteer service with the Museum.
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
Administrative Office: 314 Oliver Street - Mailing Address: 195 Goundry Street
North Tonawanda, New York 14120
(716) 213-0554 or 692-2681 - 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 to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 to noon
Also open by appointment
HISTORY MUSEUM TO PRESENT FIRST ANNUAL REPORT
AT FIRST ANNUAL MEETING & DINNER
The North Tonawanda History Museum's first Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, June 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Elks Club, 20 Main Street, North Tonawanda. A cash bar will be followed by a dinner buffet catered by DOMENIC.
The Museum's Board of Trustees invites residents and former residents, as well as its members and volunteers, to join as they celebrate the establishment of a museum of the city's history and the completion of a successful first year of accomplishments and their plans for the future.
At the meeting, the Board of Trustees will honor their Honorary Charter Life Members and Advisory Committee members, all special volunteers who have helped create the all-volunteer North Tonawanda History Museum.
A printed Annual Report will be distributed to attendees and will include the Museum's first form 990, prepared by James Amato & Company.
Advance registration is required. Check or money order may be dropped off at or mailed to the Museum at 314 Oliver Street for $15 each; $25 couple. The Museum is now open Mondays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 9 to noon.
To be honored:
North Tonawanda History Museum ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2003 - 2005
Kurt Alverson, A. Daniel Bille, Elizabeth M. Brick-Schutt, Thomas A. Brick, Thomas A. Chambers, Penny Creasey, William M. Davignon, Randy C. Fahs, Esq., John H. George, Ed.D., Thomas M. Jaccarino, Daniel R. Killian, Dale W. Marshall, Michael Mroczka, John S. Olszowka, Ph.D., Kenneth W. Pearl, R.A., John W. Percy, Rae Proefrock, Lou Santiago, Brett M. Sommer, Leslie J. Stolzenfels, John Zaleski, and Paul A. Rumbold, Jr., the Museum's Founding President
North Tonawanda History Museum CHARTER HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS
(For Outstanding Service and Contributions in the Crucial First Year as a Museum)
Joseph P. Armenia, Jr., CPA, A. Daniel Bille, John Borycki, Betty A. Brandon, Thomas A. Brick, Frank Budwey, David J. Burgio, Theresa L. Carpentieri, Penny Creasey, William M. Davignon, James Douglass, Dianne S. Flay, Gary Franklin, Cynthia Fredricks, John Fredricks, Carl Hoover, Thomas M. Jaccarino, John Kopczynski – deceased 2005, Alexandra Kopczynski, Christopher Lane, Jason Law, Thomas Lawrence, Kay Learned, Stephen Litwin, George D. Maziarz, Arlene Stocki McNair, Judith L. Mittiga, Ken Mountain, Michael Mroczka, Donna Zellner Neal, John P. Zellner Neal, Priscilla C. Zellner Neal, Timothy J. Neal, John S. Olszowka, Ph.D., Lou Omel, JamiLee Piatt, Rae Proefrock, Paul A. Rumbold, Jr., the Museum's Founding President, Lou Santiago, George Soemann, Marilyn Soemann, Valerie VanVoorhees, Sarah E. Walter, Barbara Wickman, David R. Zobrist; AdviceCreative – Tim Gerwitz; Tonawanda News – Terry Shaw; Wizard Communications – James Weber
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
Administrative Office: 314 Oliver Street - Mailing Address: 195 Goundry Street
North Tonawanda, New York 14120
(716) 213-0554 or 692-2681 - 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 to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 to noon
Also open by appointment
HISTORY MUSEUM PLANS FOR PERMANENT FUTURE:
ESTABLISHES ENDOWMENT FUNDS
The North Tonawanda History Museum's Board of Trustees, in order to ensure the permanence of the new museum organization, has established endowment funds with donations already made for specific purposes. Only the earnings on the funds will be used at some time in the future when the funds have grown enough to provide sufficient annual income to be utilized for the intended purpose of each fund. The proceeds will be preserved and hopefully increased with future donations to the funds.
The “Collections Acquisition & Exhibit Maintenance Endowment Fund” was initiated with five Charter Life Memberships in the Museum's first year of existence, from three local individuals and two former residents, one now a California resident and one a North Carolina resident. Additional sums in smaller amounts have also been donated for this purpose and have also been deposited in this fund.
The “North Tonawanda Heritage Program Endowment Fund” was initiated to provide for future operating expenses. This fund has been established with donations from Caroline Blondin Hamilton, in memory of Peter E. Blondin and Gertrude E. (Brown) Blondin; and Joseph and Angela Gunta, in memory of William and Lucia McCarthy.
“The Future of our Past” Capital Fund, while not an endowment fund, is a restricted fund to provide for the future permanent home of the museum and the continuing needs. The Board of Trustees hopes that this will eventually become an endowment fund to provide for the continuation of the physical home of the Museum. The fund was established with donations from The Friends of the North Tonawanda Public Library, William R. Lewis, Esq., Thomas J. Love, and the Downtown Merchants Association of North Tonawanda.
Individuals wishing to know more about these funds are invited to contact Museum representatives at 314 Oliver Street. The Museum's summer hours are now in effect: Mondays and Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. For additional information, please call 213-0554 or e-mail to nthistorymuseum@aol.com or visit the Museum's website 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
Administrative Office: 314 Oliver Street - Mailing Address: 195 Goundry Street
North Tonawanda, New York 14120
(716) 213-0554 or 692-2681 - 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 to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 to noon
Also open by appointment
HISTORY MUSEUM TO RECOGNIZE MANY WHO HELPED ESTABLISH MUSEUM
The North Tonawanda History Museum ’s first Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, June 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Elks Club, 20 Main Street, North Tonawanda. A cash bar will be followed by a dinner buffet catered by DOMENIC. The Museum’s Board of Trustees invites residents and former residents, as well as its members and volunteers, to join as they celebrate the establishment of a museum of the city’s history and the completion of a successful first year of accomplishments and their plans for the future.
At the meeting, the Board of Trustees will honor their Honorary Charter Life Members and Advisory Committee members, all special volunteers who have helped create the all-volunteer North Tonawanda History Museum.
A printed Annual Report will be distributed to attendees and will include the Museum’s first form 990, prepared by James Amato & Company.
Advance registration is required. Check or money order may be dropped off at or mailed to the Museum at 314 Oliver Street for $15 each; $25 couple. The Museum is now open Mondays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 9 to noon.
To be honored:
North Tonawanda History Museum ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2003 – 2005
The North Tonawanda History Museum Board of Trustees and volunteer staff have been fortunate since the first weeks of existence as an organization to have had the benefit of advice and assistance from the members of our Advisory Committee.
Kurt Alverson, A. Daniel Bille, Elizabeth M. Brick-Schutt, Thomas A. Brick, Thomas A. Chambers, Penny Creasey, William M. Davignon, Randy C. Fahs, Esq., John H. George, Ed.D., Thomas M. Jaccarino, Daniel R. Killian, Dale W. Marshall, Michael Mroczka, John S. Olszowka, Ph.D., Kenneth W. Pearl, R.A., John W. Percy, Rae Proefrock, Lou Santiago, Brett M. Sommer, Leslie J. Stolzenfels, John Zaleski, and Paul A. Rumbold, Jr., the Museum’s Founding President
North Tonawanda History Museum CHARTER HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS
(For Outstanding Service and Contributions in the Crucial First Year as a Museum)
This wonderful group of individuals has participated, each in his or her own unique manner, in the creation and development of the North Tonawanda History Museum in its first year of existence. As we have designated all members in our first year as Charter members, those who became members through April 30, 2005, the following have also been designated as Charter Honorary Life Members for having made significant donations of time, effort, services, monetary and/or in-kind donations -- and in many instances, a combination of all, in our crucial first year of existence. They will forever be recognized for this support as Charter Honorary Life Members.
Joseph P. Armenia, Jr., CPA, A. Daniel Bille, John Borycki, Betty A. Brandon, Thomas A. Brick, Frank Budwey, David J. Burgio, Theresa L. Carpentieri, Penny Creasey, William M. Davignon, James Douglass, Dianne S. Flay, Gary Franklin, Cynthia Fredricks, John Fredricks, Carl Hoover, Thomas M. Jaccarino, John Kopczynski – deceased 2005, Alexandra Kopczynski, Christopher Lane, Jason Law, Thomas Lawrence, Kay Learned, Stephen Litwin, George D. Maziarz, Arlene Stocki McNair, Judith L. Mittiga, Ken Mountain, Michael Mroczka, Donna Zellner Neal, John P. Zellner Neal, Priscilla C. Zellner Neal, Timothy J. Neal, John S. Olszowka, Ph.D., Lou Omel, JamiLee Piatt, Rae Proefrock, Paul A. Rumbold, Jr., the Museum’s Founding President, Lou Santiago, George Soemann, Marilyn Soemann, Valerie VanVoorhees, Sarah E. Walter, Barbara Wickman, David R. Zobrist; AdviceCreative – Tim Gerwitz; Tonawanda News – Terry Shaw; Wizard Communications – James WeberNORTH 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 or 692-2681 - 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 to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 to noon
Also open by appointment
Wurlitzer Organ Donated to North Tonawanda History Museum
A Wurlitzer organ, circa mid to late 1960’s, has been donated to the North Tonawanda History Museum, for its industrial heritage collection. The organ, which includes a cassette player, was donated by Frances Pachla in memory of her husband Frank Pachla who worked at the Wurlitzer plant. The donation was facilitated by one of the Museum’s Honorary Charter Life Members, Michael Mroczka. Pickup was coordinated by Museum volunteers: JamiLee Piatt and Barbara Wickman, with the assistance of Marvin Fritz and Donald Chretien.
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
Administrative Office: 314 Oliver Street - Mailing Address: 195 Goundry Street
North Tonawanda, New York 14120
(716) 213-0554 or 692-2681 - 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 to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 to noon
Also open by appointment
HISTORY MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY JOINED FORCES AS PART OF PRESERVATION MONTH ACTIVITIES
The North Tonawanda History Museum and the Niagara County Historical Society teamed up for the first North Tonawanda History Museum bus tour on Saturday, May 21. As a joint participation in Preservation Month, the tour was listed as one of seventeen New York State activities promoted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, bringing national attention and recognition to the working relationship and collaboration of the two Niagara County historical organizations.
The participants, who began their tour at the North Tonawanda History Museum at 314 Oliver Street, included residents of Clarence, Niagara Falls, Cheektowaga, and North Tonawanda. North Tonawanda’s T-NT Bus Service provided the transportation to the Niagara County Historical Society campus at 215 Niagara Street in Lockport. Pane’s Restaurant in North Tonawanda was the site of a luncheon following the visit to the Lockport facility. Ascension Church in North Tonawanda provided parking for participants while on the tour.
The event was planned and coordinated by North Tonawanda History Museum volunteers, Judith L. Mittiga and Stephen C. Ash.
The North Tonawanda History Museum plans to develop a regular series of similar visits to other historical venues, including luncheons in North Tonawanda restaurants, as part of its educational programming and a continuation of its efforts to work closely with and support all other area historical venues. An annual visit to the Niagara County Historical Society is anticipated.
The Outwater Emporium Gift Shop at the Niagara County Historical Society is now offering the North Tonawanda History Museum’s first heritage cookbook, North Tonawanda Ethnic Heritage Cookbook.
To be notified of the 2006 bus tour schedule, please contact the North Tonawanda History Museum at 213-0554 or e-mail to nthistorymuseum@aol.com.
Photos: The North Tonawanda History Museum and the Niagara County Historical Society teamed up for the first North Tonawanda History Museum bus tour on Saturday, May 21, as part of Preservation Month. Pictured are some of the participants with their Niagara County Historical Society docent as they moved between several of the five historic buildings toured during their visit to the Lockport campus.
Part of the tour group enjoying their luncheon at Pane’s Restaurant following the tour.
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 or 692-2681 - 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 to 5 p.m., Fridays 9 to noon
Also open by appointment
History Museum Receives Donation of Wurlitzer Accordion
The North Tonawanda History Museum has accepted the donation of an accordion manufactured by the Wurlitzer Company in the 1950’s for its industrial heritage collection. The accordion was donated by North Tonawanda resident, John Pignatora.