New Exhibit: ECHOES IN THE ICE

Ever since explorers began searching for a Northwest Passage over 400 years ago, the Arctic has been a fascinating and important area of study, rich with drama, adventure, even tragedy. Using artifacts, images, audiovisual presentations, and art, Echoes in the Ice: Finding Franklin’s Shipexamines Arctic exploration past and present, profiles the explorers involved in the search for the Northwest Passage, and decodes the mysteries of the Franklin Expedition of 1845, when an entire crew vanished in the Arctic during an ill-fated search.

Visit this important exhibition at the Niagara Falls History Museum from January 25 to April 22, 2018

Family Day @ the museum

SOME EARLY HOTELS

Alexandra House — The Alexandra House was located on the north side of Clifton Hill.

American Hotel – According to a tavern license, the American hotel was in existence in 1875. It had 40 rooms, and was located beside the Princess Theatre, Main Street. The hotel was destroyed by a fire on December 14, 1912.

Arlington Hotel – See Suspension Bridge Hotel.

Brunswick Hotel – Opened in 1875 by Peter Wood and Frances T. Walton, the Brunswick Hotel had a 68 foot frontage on River Road, and 100 foot frontage on Robinson Street. The hotel had 40 rooms and its dining room could accommodate 75 people. The actual building was a four- storey structure with wide balconies on the first and second floors which afforded an excellent view of the Falls. The hotel was thoroughly renovated and refurnished around 1882. The Brunswick Hotel was located on land which was acquired by the Queen Victoria Parks Commission in 1887, and demolished before the park opened in 1888.

Caverly House – The Caverly House was built in 1871 or 1872 by Pat Ford, and for years was known as Ford's Hotel. It was built on Benedict Road (Bridge Street).

Columbia (Whiffy's) Hotel – The Columbia Hotel was located on the corner of Erie Ave and Bridge Street. It was torn down to make way for the Trennick Hotel which opened in June, 1910. This hotel was later known as the Metropole, the Mohawk Hotel, and after 1967, the Lord Nelson Hotel. The building is still standing and is now known as Hotel Europa.

Dominion Hotel – The Dominion Hotel had 10 rooms and was located on Park Street. According to a tavern license, the hotel was in existence in 1875.

Eagle Hotel — The Eagle Hotel was located on Bridge Street and had 15 rooms. It was in existence in 1875 according to a tavern license.

For more hotels, click the link below:

Some Early Hotels

There is always something going on Thursday Nights

February 1
Curator's Talk @ 7pm 
Join Curator Suzanne Moase as she examines collecting in the 21^st Century.  Learn how our collections have been shaped over time and hear what serves to make collections relevant today. 


February 8 
Black America On Screen: Winter Film Series @ 7pm
 
 HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE (Robert Townsend, US, 1987) 78 mins. 
Rated R Director Townsend draws from his experience, playing a version of himself in this satire on the stereotypical roles offered African-American actors in Hollywood. International Awards: best actor, best film.


February 15
Film Screening: Wilma! ….the story of a Black Canadian @ 7pm

Join us for a community screening of the locally created film, Wilma! Wilma Morrison, who is regarded as the custodian of Black History in Niagara, tells her story and experiences growing up as an Ontario-born Black Canadian, the discrimination she faced based on her colour and sex, and her efforts to preserve Black History in Niagara Falls. Producer and Director, Ayo Adewumi will be present at the screening to introduce the film and answer questions.


February 22 
Black America On Screen: Winter Film Series @ 7pm  

MIDDLE OF NOWHERE (Ava DuVernay, U.S., 2012) 97 mins. 
Rated R From the director of Selma, a drama of self-discovery. A woman is torn between loyalty to her imprisoned husband, family and another man. Starring Emayatzy Corinealdi, David Oyelowo and Lorraine Toussaint (of Orange is the New Black). 13 Awards, including best actress and best director.
 

The Insiders

Become a Member

Museum membership is inexpensive and an affordable way to find out about our community. Your membership gets you free admission to the Museum and current edition of our publication “Circa”, which is filled with great articles on local history. Past editions are also available for sale in our Gift Shop.

• Individual Membership - $15
• Family Membership - $25

Educational Programs