Every traveler in the world wants to pass at least once through the natural monument of Niagara Falls. However, not everyone is aware of what they can find there, as well as what they can meet and learn.
By this we mean the Niagara Falls History Museum, which contains rich anecdotes and facts about the emergence of this incredible site. Just like the Aquarium of Niagara, the History Museum is a stop you can’t miss.
Beginnings of the History Museum
The Niagara Falls Museum of History has been there since 1827 when it was founded by Thomas Barnett, an Englishman from Birmingham. It is considered one of the first museums founded in Canada so it has undergone changes of all kinds.
Today, the History Museum is staffed by a team of stewards and volunteers who are enthusiastic about preserving and conserving the history surrounding this city.
It is a center for historical and cultural activities that involve everything that happened in the formation of the Niagara Falls community.
Currently, the museum belongs to the City of Niagara Falls, which in recent years has sought to reconnect with local history.
Learn more about Niagara Falls
Over time the exhibitions, events, tours and more have been changing and adapting to what history has established. You will find a variety of themes where you can learn and know everything about it, through interactive media.
Likewise, you can visit the entire collection of its founder, Thomas Barnett, who came to have very interesting pieces of taxidermy for his time.
1812 War Gallery
You can visit the 1812 War Gallery where the main theme is the history and impact the war had on the people of Niagara Falls. It all happened in the spring of 1812, when the conflict broke out between the United States and Great Britain.
You will see all the information gathered from the war conflict as well as where it took place and what it left behind. It mainly focused on the British North American colonies, all along the border between Canada and the Northeastern United States.
Niagara Falls Community Gallery
In case you want to know all the history of the city of Niagara Falls you can also enjoy the Community Gallery. In this exhibit you will find information from the geological creation to the stories of the people who make up the community. It has three interactive stations where visitors, both adults and children, will be able to get closer to Mother Nature, go through the gorge and become a daredevil.
North is freedom, Civil War
Have you ever heard about the “Underground Train”? If not, in this exhibit you can learn about the facts behind the event. The theme is about people escaping from slavery before the American Civil War.
There were more than 30,000 people seeking their freedom in the North, men, women and children. Regardless of age, race or creed, this exhibit will teach you that we are all descendants of one and the same: human beings.
It celebrates the courage of our ancestors and how they never lost their faith in the search for the freedom that every person deserves through human rights.
Also, as of June 6, 2020, the exhibition “And We Rise” was created to commemorate the agglomeration of more than 4,000 people. All of them came together for the same cause: to break the barriers of a racist system.
How can I visit the Niagara Falls History Museum?
Because of the current COVID-19 situation, indoor presentations at Niagara Falls (on the Canadian side) have been reduced to 25% of full capacity. As a measure to combat the spread of the virus, as well as to maintain social distancing, the museum has opened its doors to the public on July 27.
Ticket prices can vary, ranging from $5 to $15 for a family package, however, it can also be part of a tour.
All the people who tell of their experience inside the Niagara Falls History Museum have come away fascinated by it. Today you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through its exhibits completely free with the entrance fee to the national park.
Special events at the Niagara Museum
This Museum offers visitors special events every month, all with different themes and that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Some examples of these events are:
- Fire Station Tour (July 29).
- Behind the Scenes Museum Collection (August 19)
- Forts Niagara Reenactment (August 5)
- History of Chase Hart (August 12)
- Beekeeping in Ancient Egypt (Aug. 26)
- Lost Voices: Adults with IDD share their lived experience during the pandemic (Various Dates)
All these events are in English, you can find all the information on their website.
