History of the Museum / News Release Archive - May 2006 * Represents newest additions to our Archive
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 North Tonawanda History Museum, in collaboration with Echoes Through Time Historical Tours & Presentations will present a History Weekend during Canal Fest of the Tonawandas this year. Set for Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and 23, at Gratwick-Riverside Park, the event will include historical presentations on Civil War and other historical periods, including teaching and demonstrations, and a mobile classroom setting, with displays, and uniformed presenters. Among the participants will be the Sons of Confederate Veterans and Chaplain PG Cook Camp 223 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. A used book sale and a book signing by local author Diane Meholick will be included in the weekend’s events at the park. The fireworks display can be viewed from the park as well on Sunday evening following the end of Canal Fest. Additional re-enactment groups or other appropriate historical activities for the weekend event are being interviewed. Interested individuals or groups wishing to inquire about participation are invited to 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!! Last couple of weeks for North Tonawanda residents to participate Museum Collaborates with Sociology Department of Buffalo State College in “Sense of Community Survey” The North Tonawanda History Museum, whose emphasis is on the rich ethnic and industrial heritage of North Tonawanda, has been collaborating with a Buffalo State College professor on a “Sense of Community Survey.” The purpose of the survey is to obtain a viable description of the sense of community among residents of North Tonawanda. Specifically, the study will examine social characteristics (such as sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, and educational level) by length of time of the residence in North Tonawanda and to ascertain whether differences exist. The study begins with the proposition: “People who have lived in North Tonawanda for more than five years have more of a sense of community than those who have recently moved to the area.” The survey was created by Dr. Amitra Hodge, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Buffalo State College. Dr. Hodge and her students have been assisting Museum representatives in plans for the first ethnic heritage festival, which is planned for October 7, 2006, in the Sportsplex Complex. Adult residents of North Tonawanda willing to complete the two-page survey may obtain a copy from the Museum at 314 Oliver Street or download one from their website at www.nthistorymuseum.org. Completed surveys should be mailed or delivered to the Museum. Completed surveys should be submitted by May 31.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!! NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM 2nd ANNUAL DINNER & MEETING The Board of Trustees of the North Tonawanda History Museum have announced that registrations are now being accepted for the Museum’s 2nd Annual Dinner & Meeting on Thursday, June 15. The dinner and meeting will take place in the Hideaway Grille Banquet Room, 399 Division Street, with a cash bar beginning at 6 p.m., and sit down dinner at 7 p.m. A copy of the 2nd Annual Report of the Museum will be issued to each attendee. The report has been developed for this year by Museum Director Donna Zellner Neal and Webmaster John Zellner Neal, with the assistance of Stephanie Sadler, a SUNY Fredonia student, and Daniel Skrok, a SUNYAB student. Printing is by Pioneer Printers, Inc. Dinner is $25 or $45 for a couple. Dinner choices include roast sirloin, chicken cordon bleu, and pasta primavera. Registration may be made at the Museum, by mail to 314 Oliver Street, or through the Online Gift Shop on the Museum’s website. The Museum now accepts Master Card and Visa payments.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 Director one of three nominees for Volunteer Administrator of the Year Award North Tonawanda History Museum Director Donna Zellner Neal was presented a Certificate of Nomination for the Gretchen E. Stringer Volunteer Administrator of the Year Award “in recognition for her amazing commitment and exceptional performance in the field of volunteer management” by the officers of the Volunteer Administrators of Western New York. The certificate was presented in a May 9 ceremony at the Red Cross headquarters in Buffalo. Neal was one of three nominees for the first ever such award. Sheila Murphy made the presentation. Also nominated were Patricia Dowling of the Erie County RSVP program and Mary Lou Tarquini de la Plante of the Schofield Homes in Kenmore. Each member also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the organization. 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 North Tonawanda History Museum has been approved for its third 2006 grant under the Speakers in the Humanities program of the New York Council for the Humanities. The grants will make it possible for the Museum to present the following three lecture/performances during their first bi-annual ethnic heritage festival, “North Tonawanda: A Celebration of Our Diversity!” on Saturday, October 7, in the Sportsplex at 90 Ridge Road in North Tonawanda: Dave Ruch will present “Traditional and Historical Songs of New York State” in which he tells the stories behind the songs of New Yorkers from days gone by—farmers, lumbermen, children, immigrants, Native Americans, canallers. Ruch, from Buffalo, is a special musician and performer widely noted for his ability to engage audiences of all kinds. His performances demonstrate that he is made up of equal parts of historian, entertainer, educator, humorist, and folklorist. Dr. Sherrie Baver, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and Latin American and Caribbean Studies Program, City College and Graduate Center, City University of New York, will present: “Ciudad & Suburbia: The Changing Nature of Latino Immigration.” Dr. Fred Gardaphe, Professor of Italian-American Studies, SUNY Stony Brook, director of Stony Brook University’s American and Italian American Studies Program, will present “Linguine and Lust: Food and Sex in Italian-American Culture.” The festival will be part of State Humanities Month, a statewide celebration of New York’s historical and cultural riches. State Humanities Month gives New Yorkers an opportunity to explore new ideas and celebrate their common heritage, while calling attention to the state’s unique contributions to the humanities. Since its launch in 1983, the Council’s Speakers in the Humanities program has linked distinguished scholars with diverse audiences through the presentation of lectures on a broad range of topics. Each year, hundreds of cultural institutions and community groups take advantage of this program, which offers the very best in humanities scholarship to thousands of citizens in every corner of New York State. The New York Council for the Humanities is a private, not-for-profit organization working to ensure the presence of the humanities in the cultural life of New York State. The Council’s programs train teachers; encourage excellence in student scholarship, and support public programs at New York State’s cultural organizations. They seek to forge relationships between young people, their families, and New York’s extraordinary range of humanities institutions. This is the Museum’s fourth grant from the Speakers in the Humanities program, having been able to present Dr. Emelise Aleandri with “The Legend of LaBefana” at its December 2005 Italian Christmas program. 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 North Tonawanda History Museum, in collaboration with Echoes Through Time Historical Tours & Presentations will present “Canal Fest History Weekend in North Tonawanda” during Canal Fest of the Tonawandas this year. Set for Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and 23, at Gratwick-Riverside Park, the event will include historical presentations on Civil War and other historical periods, including teaching and demonstrations, and a mobile classroom setting, with displays, and uniformed presenters. Among the variety of participants will be the Sons of Confederate Veterans – Buffalo Guards Camp 1975, the Sons of Union Veterans - Chaplain PG Cook Camp 223, Buffalo Civil War Round Table, and the Niagara Frontier Relic Hunters Association (Metal Detector Club). A used book sale and book signings by local authors of historical publications, including North Tonawanda native Diane Meholick will be included in the weekend’s events at the park. The fireworks display can be viewed from the park as well on Sunday evening following the end of Canal Fest. The Museum will also offer historical and ethnic gift items from their gift shop. Beverages and refreshments will be available as well. Additional re-enactment groups or other appropriate historical activities for the weekend event are being interviewed. Interested individuals or groups wishing to inquire about participation are invited to contact the Museum at 213-0554 or by email at nthistorymuseum@aol.com. Donations of used books are presently being accepted by the Museum for the book sale. 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!!
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!! Eugene Spiak, a Buffalo resident and student in the School of Architecture at the University of Buffalo, has completed a project for the North Tonawanda History Museum on the history of the City’s lumber industry. Spiak made a presentation on May 10 during the final review process of the History of Place course in the School of Architecture & Planning. With the assistance of the North Tonawanda History Museum, Spiak has completed his project on the lumber history of North Tonawanda, with a special focus on the W. G. Palmer Lumber Company and the Ray H. Bennett Lumber Company. He has completed a power point presentation on the history he uncovered, created a written piece, “You May be Living in a Bennett Home,” and a brochure, “The Palmer-Bennett Trail,” for the class project. He presented the Museum with a copy of each, including a book with the Power Point presentation data. His project included a proposal on how this history might be interpreted on the landscape, with “The Palmer-Bennett Trail” as his recommendation. His proposed “trail” includes a walking tour “deck” and a Bennett Park, as well as a self-observing lumber museum to reinforce the story of Palmer, Bennett, and the entire history of the lumber industry of North Tonawanda. Museum Director Donna Zellner Neal and Trustee Margaret Cheeley attended his presentation session at Hayes Hall. The Museum anticipates utilization of Spiak’s completed work in future Museum programs and publications, and will incorporate his ideas into its already existing North Tonawanda Seaway Trail Walks and plans for the future Lumber City History Center as the permanent future home of 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 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 North Tonawanda History Museum announces distribution sites for several of its 2006 publications. “North Tonawanda: The First 100 Years – 1797 – 1897” is a 12-page booklet which begins with the Holland Land Purchase in 1797 and summarizes the development and evolution as a municipality of the hamlet which became the City of North Tonawanda in 1897. It was created by the Museum in collaboration with John W. Percy, Town of Tonawanda Historian, and Charles Cederman, Town of Wheatfield Historian. What is now modern day North Tonawanda was originally part of both the Town of Tonawanda and the Town of Wheatfield prior to becoming a city in 1897. “North Tonawanda: The Lumber City” is a 32-page book, designed as a self-guided walking & driving tour guide. This book is sponsored in part by the Seaway Trail Corporation and was financed in part with funds from the New York Council for the Humanities, a State affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Museum Director Donna Zellner Neal is the editor, Martin Wachadlo served as architectural historian, and maps were provided by the North Tonawanda Engineering Department. The booklet contains 81 stopping points, but hundreds of actual sites are included in the format. The focus of the book is on the history of North Tonawanda from the Holland Land Purchase in 1797 through the present. The thumbnail descriptions are meant to permit the reader to take a leisurely stroll or drive on a number of occasions, observing the locations at which North Tonawanda’s history took place. As of June 15, “North Tonawanda Historic Gardens Tour 2006” will also be available. The publication is a guide with maps to historic sites and gardens in the city. The self-guided tour runs from June 15 to August 31. “It is our sincere hope that these publications will prove useful both to our residents and to visitors to our city and to teachers in North Tonawanda schools wishing to use them as a tool in their local history focus,” noted Paula Belair, Education Committee Chair. An additional publication, “The Rand Family Left a Lasting Imprint on North Tonawanda—and the World!” will be available in coming weeks as well. The booklet is edited by Donna Zellner Neal, with layout and design by John P. Zellner Neal, proofreading by John W. Percy and Laura Winchester. All four books are available for a $2 each donation at the Museum at 314 Oliver Street. They may also be purchased at the North Tonawanda Public Library, the Mayor’s Office in City Hall, Hodgepodge at 72 Webster Street, and Lovin’ Life at 305 Robinson Street. Additional sites may be announced in the future as well. All Museum publications are available through the Museum’s online gift shop as well at www.nthistorymuseum.org. All books are published by North Tonawanda’s Pioneer Printers, Inc. Quantities of all four publications will be distributed to social studies teachers in the North Tonawanda City School District by the Museum. Copies are also donated to the North Tonawanda Public Library for its reference library. The Museum also announces it has obtained quantities of a valuable resource for those seeking historical information on their homes. “House Histories: A Guide to Tracing the Genealogy of Your Home” by Sally Light is available at the Museum or through its online gift shop at www.nthistorymuseum.org. The book has been recommended by the American Library Association, as “a good, practical guide to dating and documenting a house,” and is highly recommended by the Preservation League of New York State, as well as North Tonawanda History Museum representatives. It is an excellent aid for owners of older homes, preservationists, residential real estate brokers, and others with questions about the origins, styles, materials, past owners of and events surround old houses. 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!! NORTH TONAWANDA HISTORY MUSEUM 2nd ANNUAL DINNER & MEETING Museum to Recognize Founders Circle Supporters The Board of Trustees of the North Tonawanda History Museum will present certificates of appreciation to Founders Circle Supporters at their 2 nd Annual Dinner & Meeting on Thursday, June 15. To be honored with a special certificate reading, “With deepest gratitude from all who hold North Tonawanda dear to their hearts, for your continuous support in time, effort, and financial assistance, for the years 2003-2006” are: Stephen C. & Eleanor Ash, A. Daniel & Gail Bille, David & Donna Burgio, William M. Davignon, Senator George D. Maziarz, Kay Learned, Penny Creasey, Barbara Wickman, Carl P. Hoover, Lou and Joyce Santiago, and The Neals: Donna Zellner Neal, John Zellner Neal, and Priscilla Zellner Neal. The dinner and meeting will take place in the Hideaway Grille Banquet Room, 399 Division Street, with a cash bar beginning at 6 p.m., and sit down dinner at 7 p.m. A copy of the 2 nd Annual Report of the Museum will be issued to each attendee. The report has been developed for this year by Museum Director Donna Zellner Neal and Webmaster John Zellner Neal, with the assistance of Stephanie Sadler, a SUNY Fredonia student, and Daniel Skrok, a SUNYAB student. Printing is by Pioneer Printers, Inc. Dinner is $25 or $45 for a couple. Dinner choices include roast sirloin, chicken cordon bleu, and pasta primavera. Registration may be made at the Museum, by mail to 314 Oliver Street, or through the Online Gift Shop on the Museum’s website. The Museum now accepts Master Card and Visa payments. |
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