Please Note:

The Museum is now open for in-person visits.

As of September 22, all visitors will be required to:

• Provide proof of double vaccination
• Fill out our screening questions

To make this process quicker, please have your documentation ready and visit our pre-screening website on your mobile phone before arriving and have ready to show us upon entry.

GOING “BEHIND THE FALLING SHEET OF WATER”


By Sherman Zavitz: Official Historian of the City of Niagara Falls

This article originally appeared in the 2016 edition of Circa magazine

J.C. Bonnefons obviously had more than the usual amount of courage and curiosity. This was amply demonstrated during April 1753, when he and two friends visited Niagara Falls. After viewing the cataract from Table Rock, Bonnefons proposed that they climb down the side of the gorge to the foot of the enormous waterfall. His friends were horrified at such an idea. Since there was no path of any kind, it would mean clinging to bushes and roots while using small rock ledges for toeholds as you gingerly lowered yourself into the gorge. One false step and you would be hurled into eternity.

His fellow travellers refused to take part in such a risky venture so, undaunted, Bonnefons undertook the perilous descent on his own. He soon realized that he had taken on more than he had bargained for but as he later wrote, “I had to finish as much from pride as from curiosity.” An hour later he had reached the bottom of the gorge.

Drenched by spray, Bonnefons clamored over the slippery rocks to the base of the cataract. His adventuresome spirit then propelled him to see if it was possible to go behind the falls. It was! Although the overwhelming roar combined with the trembling of the rocks was both deafening and disconcerting, he cautiously moved in behind the vast curtain of crashing water. There he found a wide cavern around 6 metres high and 4.5 metres wide. Large clefts in the rock prevented any further progress, forcing Bonnefons to retreat.

'Behind the falling Sheet of Water'

Opening Soon!


 

Health In Space: Daring to Explore

An exhibition that explores how gravity, radiation, and isolation all pose unique health challenges for astronauts living and working in space. Come see authentic artifacts and learn about David Saint-Jacques’ mission to the International Space Station.

DRUMMOND HILL CEMETERY TOURS
October 16, 2021 @ 2pm, 3pm& 4pm
October 23, 2021 @ 2pm, 3pm& 4pm


 

These tours offer a unique opportunity to discover Niagara Falls through a visit to one of the most historic cemeteries in Canada. Led by a costumed guide, the human drama unfolds as guests wander the grounds and happen upon theatrical performances that provide a glimpse into the lives of some of the people from our City’s history.

Tickets must be purchased in advance by dropping by the Museum at 5810 Ferry Street or by calling 905-358-5082. This is a rain or shine event, tickets are non-refundable. Ticket price $12 per person.

During the tours we ask that you wear a mask if you cannot maintain social distancing. We also ask that you maintain a safe 2 meter distance from our presenters, as they will not be wearing masks during their performances. 

Drummond Hill Cemetery Tours

World War One – A Collection of Stories
October 7, 2021 @ 7pm

World War I, also called the First World War or Great War, was an international conflict during the years of 1914 to 1918. Nationally, the stories of our collective experience are certainly well documented throughout Canada, and the Niagara Falls History Museum is no exception. We will take this time to explore a few of our artefacts and the stories of the men and women they preserve.

FILM SERIES: THE LAST STATION
October 14 @ 6:45pm

Period drama: Novelist Leo Tolstoy (Plummer) argues with wife Sofya (Helen Mirren) over his legacy as a Russian writer. With Paul Giamatti, James McAvoy.

For more information please visit our Film Series Events page

With safety as our priority, masks and physical distancing will be enforced on site.

JUSTICE 4 BLACK LIVES BOOK CLUB
October 21 @ 7pm

Join #J4BL founder Sherri Darlene to read and discuss her powerful book selections. As Niagara's grassroots organization Justice4BlackLives continues to grow and impact the region with their hands on approach to combating systematic racism. Join Sherri Darlene in the fight for change through education and much needed discussion. Her book selections are deliberate and purposeful and will spark your thirst for a truthful knowledge.
October’s book selection:
Darling Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
 "A wonderful book: urgent, essential and fun to read. I couldn't put it down, and it continues to resonate with me."
(Seth Godin, author of Linchpin)
Participation is limited to 15 individuals and pre-registration is required. Email Sylvia by October 17th to register. 

With safety as our priority, masks and physical distancing will be enforced on site.

FILM SERIES: ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD
October 28 @ 6:45pm

Drama: Callous J. Paul Getty (Plummer) reacts to the kidnapping of his grandson. With Michelle Williams, Mark Wahlberg, Timothy Hutton.

For more information please visit our Film Series Events page

With safety as our priority, masks and physical distancing will be enforced on site.