2/12/2025 – The Historic Palace Theater
Lockport is home to many wonderful cultural centers besides the Niagara History Center, such as the Kenan Center and Challenger Learning Center. Listen and learn with Christopher Parada, Executive Director of the Historic Palace Theater, to learn all about the history, productions, and celebrations as the Theater prepares for its 100th Birthday in July!
February 12, 2025 11:00am | Duration: 50:00
12/11/2024 – Mark Twain and Niagara County with Thomas Reigstad
Samuel Clemmens, better known by his pen name, Mark Twain, is perhaps one of, if not the most well-known American authors. His books, Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn take readers into the American Mid West, exploring the themes, triumphs, and anxieties that were impacting society then, and to some degree are still to this day. Joined by Thomas Reigstad, emeritus professor at SUNY Buffalo State University and Mark Twain scholar, learn about the author’s life and work in Niagara County and Buffalo!
December 11, 2024 11:00am | Duration: 45:00
11/13/2024 – The Haudenosaunee
The history of Niagara County and of Western New York is more than just the history of white, European settlers moving across the Appalachian Mountains, and settling around the Great Lakes basin. The history of our region begins, and is continuing to be shaped by the Six Nations that made up the Haudenosaunee. Their legacy and culture continues to be at the forefront of our collective heritage and how we interpret it.
November 13, 2024 11:00am | Duration: 40:00
10/08/2024 – The Erie Canal: A History
The Erie Canal put Lockport on the map–literally. But how much do you really know about it? Board your packet boat as I guide you through the history of one of the greatest engineering feats in American history, and how it still impacts Western New York today!
October 8th, 2024 11:00am | Duration: 45:00
9/11/2024 – The Spanish-American War: A History Then and Now
The Spanish-American War of 1898 is an understudied, often times misunderstood conflict that is remembered more for its larger-than-life “heroes” rather than its impact on United States, and global history. Although the entire conflict lasted for about three months, it was nonetheless integral to the story of American expansion in the Caribbean and Pacific, the final swansong of the long declining Spanish Empire, and a unifying force in an America that was still recovering from the brutal Civil War only thirty years prior.
September 11th, 2024 11:00am | Duration: 40:00
8/14/2024 – The Film Industry in Western New York with Joseph DiPasquale, PhD
When one thinks of American cinema, images of Hollywood, California, or New York City often come to mind. However, over the recent decades, more and more films have been set and filmed in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and even Lockport! I am joined by Joseph DiPasquale to discuss this exciting history, and talk about Lockport Mayor Lombardi’s new Lockport Cultural Initiative, consisting of the Niagara History Center, the Kenan Center, the Lockport Public Library, and the Historic Palace Theater.
August 14th, 2024 11:00am | Duration: 50:00
7/10/2024 – The History of Fort Niagara with Bob Emerson
Niagara County was once the crossroads of empires, and we still have a piece of history to show for it: Old Fort Niagara. Listen as I discuss the fascinating history of the fort with Old Fort Niagara’s Executive Director Bob Emerson, ranging from the times of the Haudenosaunee to the War of 1812. We also took the opportunity to talk about the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the United States, and the fun, exciting programs that will be coming to Niagara and Erie County.
July 10th, 2024 11:00am | Duration: 45:00
6/12/2024 – Summer at the Lockport Locks
Learn about the exciting new developments coming to the famous Flight of Five locks here in Lockport from David Kinyon, the Executive Director of the Lockport Locks Heritage District Corporation.
June 12th, 2024 11:00am | Duration: 50:00
5/08/2024 – The Pan-American Exposition
Welcome James Lester as the new Executive Director of the Niagara History Center, and learn about Niagara County’s connections to the Pan-American Exposition that was held in Buffalo, NY in 1901.
May 8th, 2024 10:00am | Duration: 50:00
April 10th, 2024 11:00am | Duration: 45:00
March 13th, 2024 11:00am | Duration: 45:00
February 14th, 2024 11:00am | Duration: 45:00
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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. Learn more >