Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the hours of operation of the Niagara History Center?

The Niagara History Center located at 215 Niagara Street is open Monday – Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Erie Canal Discovery Center located at 24 Church Street is open Monday – Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from May 1 to October 31 and 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Friday and Saturday from November 1 to April 30.

2. If I am visiting both the Niagara History and the Erie Canal Discovery Center do I need to pay for admission at both places?

Yes, you will need to pay the standard admission for the Erie Canal Discovery Center ($6.00) and the standard admission for the Niagara History Center ($4.00).

3. When is the Erie Canal Season?

The Erie Canal Boating Season usually runs from about mid May until mid October. For more information and dates, please visit the New York State Canal Corporation website at https://www.canals.ny.gov

4. Can I do research at the Niagara History Center?

Yes! The Niagara History Center is here for your research needs. Please make an appointment with either our Curator Terry Abrams or our Assistant Director Ann Marie Linaberry. We require appointments so that we can prepare what you would like to research. For more information regarding policies and procedures, please see our Research Requests and Materials Use Policy under our Collections page.

5. Can I do genealogical research at the Niagara History Center?

For all genealogical research, please contact the Niagara County Genealogical Society at info@niagaragenealogy.org. They are located at 215 Niagara Street, and their hours of operation are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 1:00 pm – 4:45 pm.

6. How can I access the Niagara History Center’s photo collection?

Please contact our Curator Terry Abrams to set up an appointment to see our wonderful collection of historic Niagara County and Lockport-related archival photographs.