Niagara County Historical Soc - Lockport (NY)

5 /5 Michelle Rudy: It was a great experience for the children to learn so much information and seening how it was back in the day.

5 /5 Richard Deverell: I stopped by the Erie Canal Discovery Center on 19 April 2019 while I was in the Buffalo area. The site is part of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and is a fun little museum. The highlight of the center is the simulator, which begins with the audience sitting on benches listening to an actor portraying the architect behind the Flight of Five locks. He describes the canal construction process and the unique features of the Lockport portion of the canal before the screen partially retracts, leading the actor to beckon the visitors onto a mock-up of a packet boat. Once aboard, the screen closes again and a new video features one a canal worker describing the working of a lock as the video gives the impression of the boat rising. As the lock doors open, doors open in front of the boat so that visitors may step off and enter the exhibit space. Most of the exhibits are interactive, with buttons for children to push and little quizzes based on canal knowledge. There are some photographs of the canal under construction as well as a framed certificate from the Canal Collectors Office. The third floor houses the Charles Rand Penney Collection of historic Niagara County artifacts, which will be of great interest to those who enjoy local history. It is the one spot not designed primarily for children, but older children should be able to find some interest in the artifacts. After going through the museum, one can take a self-guided walking tour around Lockport by following Rileys Way: a map located in the discovery center. Its a fun place to have a day trip and a must-visit for those collection National Parks cancellation stamps.

5 /5 Angela R. Hunt: Great staff, great records. And the gift shop is full of excellent keepsakes and info, even Belva Lockwood tshirts! If you dont know who she is you should ask them!

4 /5 Katie Haseley: I visited the 5 buildings of the Niagara Historical Society about a week ago as an assignment. I am taking a Public History Class and it seemed like a good opportunity to learn a little more about my community while completing my work. There is a lot of history covered in a relatively small amount of space. If a visitor wanted to read each and every card, look at each and every relic - one could definitely spend a few hours looking through the buildings. The first building was - i might call - municipal history. It covered some Lockport history & Olcott History, and the gift shop was located here. The second building, the Pioneer House, focused on Native American history (the Six Nations), ‘early settler life’s, and the local transportation industry. Lockport is very well known for the Twin Locks, Harrison Radiator, and our portion/contribution to the Erie Canal. You will see/learn about all things, those three. Up next; the Barn. The Barn has what seemed like thousands of small tool relics from cobblers, stone masons, doctors, and firefighters. Lined up down the center are several models of sleds and horse drawn carriages, some even manufactured in Lockport centuries ago. Tucked away in a corner, I found some paperwork outlining Lockport’s connection to the Underground Railroad as well. The smallest building on site is the old law office from the 1800s. It features a typical set up and furniture from the time period. You’ll also learn about a Lockport woman who left a pretty big impression on history (sneak peek: first woman to argue a case at the US Supreme Court!) Finally, you’ll enter the last building which covers the many business/industry that made up Lockport’s history. Some of the names, you’ll be surprised to learn came from Lockport! My only reason I didn’t give this a 5 rating is I felt things were a little cluttered and disorganized at times. I found myself doubling back to “put two and two together” at times. Overall, for a relatively small county, I thought the place was well kept, it was quiet and covered a LOT of information. It’s worth the $5 admission and an afternoon worth of your time to go in!