Our Museum in Action
The second quarter of 2025 is proving to be even busier than the first for our museum. We have been fortunate enough to be the host to authors who were happy to present their new books and provide us with some insider information on the subject of General Lafayette’s visit to Buffalo and Black Rock . Thank you to the record-setting crowd who joined us at author Christopher Carosa’s presentation on General Lafayette’s remarkable journey through WNY in 1825.
Marquis De Lafayette.
As the last surviving Major General of the Revolutionary War, Gilbert Motier, Marquis de Lafayette was invited by President James Monroe and Congress to visit the 24-state Union for what would become his Farewell Tour of America. Accompanied by his Secretary Auguste Levasseur and his son George Washington Lafayette, the “Nation’s Guest” visited all 24 states of the Union in 14 months (August 1824 – September 1825). On June 4, 1825, Lafayette was welcomed to the village of Buffalo and on the following day was invited to breakfast at the Niagara Street home of Brigadier General/Erie Canal Commissioner Peter Buell Porter in the village of Upper Black Rock.
Upcoming Events
New Acquisitions
The Black Rock Historical Society continues to receive items that are part of our community history.
Voelker’s Bowling Ball and Sig
The Voelker’s Lanes building at the corner of Amherst Street and Elmwood Avenue has a long history, with four generations and additions dating back to the late 1800’s. Many lanes offered local bowlers, and those who came from all over the city, much fun that included a restaurant and bar. Unfortunately, a different kind of ball rolled into Voelker’s –a wrecking ball- in April, 2025. Both artifacts were donated by Colleen Niemiec.
Sweatshirt from Campbell’s Pub
Located at the corner of Niagara Street and Forest Avenue, this Irish bar was a popular watering hole for the locals. Owned by Hugh B. Campbell, who was born in County Mayo, Ireland, he opened his pub in 1972. The sweatshirt was donated by Daneen Woolstrum.
Parade Sashes
These parade sashes were worn by members of the Riverside Businessmen’s Association to help celebrate Towpath Days in Riverside Park. Taking place at the end of May during Memorial weekend, an amusement park was set up, contests of various kinds took place, with carriage rides, hay wagon, petting farm and music. These satin parade sashes were donated by Jackie Erckert Dillon.
Historic Photos
Dock at the foot of Amherst St. along the Erie Canal, circa 1899. Photo courtesy of Key Bank.
View of Assumption Church circa 1950’s. Photo courtesy of Mary Ann Barone.
Niagara St looking south 1942, Jubilee Theater, Davis Dept Store, A. A Justin Blacksmith Shop courtesy of Scott Glasgow.
New Articles
The Lower Black Rock Historic District
