Our Story
Founded as the Lockport Historical Society in 1921 and later renamed to the Niagara County Historical Society, the Niagara History Center celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021.
The Lockport Historical Society continued to grow and expand in the 1920s, faltered during the Great Depression and World War II, and was later revived when prosperity and patriotism were on the rise during the latter part of the war.
Our Mission
The Niagara History Center preserves, promotes and interprets the diverse cultural heritage of the people, places and events related to Niagara County and the Erie Canal. We are a collaborative community resource for lifelong learning for current and future generations.
Our Vision
The Niagara History Center is a vital community asset and the catalyst for connecting Niagara County’s past, present and future.
This c. 1957 photo, taken 10 years after the re-establishment of the Niagara County Historical Society, shows a few of the early members who were influential in the operation of the organization. From left are: Charles Boyer, first museum curator; Raymond Yates, board president; Robert H. Long, board member; and Clarence O. Lewis, Niagara County Historian. They are standing in the newly restored Washington Hunt Law Office.
Niagara History Center Staff:
William Briggs – Executive Director
William Briggs is a Public Relations and Marketing professional from Lockport, New York, with more than half a decade of PR, community building, and business development experience ranging from supporting small local organizations with “looking the part” to future planning and coordinating massive community service efforts with chapters of international NPOs.
He is also an Eagle Scout and Paul Harris Fellow with a passion for using his skills to support his community.
Ann Marie Linnabery – Assistant Director/Educator
Ann Marie Linnabery has been the Assistant Director and Education Coordinator at the Niagara History Center since 2004. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t fascinated with the past. I loved looking at old family photos, asking questions about my ancestors and playing “archeologist” round my neighborhood.” She has an M.A. in American History and has worked in several museums over the past 30+ years. She shares her love of local history by creating educational experiences for children, bringing programs into the community and writing a weekly newspaper article about Niagara County’s past as well as contributing to other publications.
Terry Abrams – Curator
Terry C. Abrams has been the curator/collections manager for NCHS since 2018. He began his museum career as an intern at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, and has worked for the Genesee County History Department, the Rochester Museum & Science Center and the WNY Association of Historical Agencies. A resident of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation, he is also the co-chair of the Conference on Iroquois Research, and a member of the Field Services Alliance and the American Association for State and Local History. His primary areas of interest include Native American history and historic photography.
Niagara History Center Board:
- Michael Tucker – President
- John Jennings – Vice-President
- David Kinyon – Secretary
- Candace Wilson – Treasurer
- Michael Allport
- James Boles
- Jeanine Chatt
- Cynthia Cotten
- Jeffery Degnan
- Lori Doxey
- Jennifer Koplas
- Richard Maigret
- Susie Parker
- Amie Redford
- Patrick Ryan
Give to Niagara History Center
The Niagara History Center is a vital community asset and the catalyst for connecting Niagara County’s past, present and future. Your gift will help us preserve it for the generations to come. Thank you for your support!
History Center Receives Grant from NYS Council on the Arts
The Niagara County Historical Society has received a Regrowth and Capacity grant from the New York State Council on the Arts. This grant will provide general operating support as we continue our ongoing recovery from pandemic challenges.