Our Museum in Action
Grants
The Black Rock Historical Society has recently received important grant funding to support our history programming, community events, and general operating expenses.
In its adopted 2026 budget, the Erie County Legislature designated $7,853 in cultural services funding for the Black Rock Historical Society. We extend our sincere thanks to County Executive Mark Poloncarz, County Legislators Michael Kooshoian and Taisha St. Jean Tard, and all Erie County taxpayers for their continued support of cultural organizations such as ours.
We also gratefully acknowledge North District Councilmember Joe Golombek and the Northwest Community Center for allocating $7,500 in 2026 City of Buffalo funding.
Finally, we thank Dennis Galucki and the Center for the Study of Art, Architecture, History and Nature (C-SAAHN) Fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for a $200 grant supporting our participation in the C-SAAHN “4by4+8” Cultural Initiative. As part of this program, our museum is open on the fourth Saturday of each month from noon to 3:00 PM to welcome 4th and 8th grade students and their families.
Education/Outreach
The Black Rock Historical Society is fortunate to be working in partnership with students from Buffalo State University to help commemorate the 125th anniversary of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition.
A project team from Dr. Ann Liao’s SPC 307 Group Communication class is researching and designing a multimedia exhibit that explores how the Pan-American Exposition welcomed the world to Buffalo. The exhibit will highlight the exposition’s remarkable architecture and key buildings, where innovations in the arts and emerging technologies of the new 20th century were introduced to visitors from across the globe.
Erie County America 250
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are partnering with the Erie County Historical Commission through its “Power of Place” collaborative working group.
Both our Spring Makers & Masters Speakers Series and our Fall Speakers Series (October) will highlight the rich history of our region, the people who shaped it, and the stories that continue to define our community.
In addition, our Museum Curator, Doreen DeBoth, is designing and creating an exhibit that explores the evolution of the American flag as a symbol of the nation’s growth. A grand opening for this exhibit is planned for Flag Day, June 14.
Bill Butler
Board President
Upcoming Events
New Acquisitions
Buffalo Starch Factory Print
Buffalo Starch Factory is representative of manufacturing firms that experiences growth and prosperity in mid-19th-century Buffalo. Established in 1864, it ranks third in the world production by 1877 and has a widespread reputation for quality. Pure water is a requisite for production of starch and the Buffalo Starch Factory is located on the banks of the Niagara River, and thereby accessible to the Erie Canal.
Print donated by Bill Butler
George Meyer Malt & Grain Calendar, 1940
George Meyer Malt & Grain was the dean of Buffalo malting houses. In the1950s it was the largest maltster east of Chicago, surpassing even the redoubtable Perot Malting operations located on the Buffalo River. The company began at the end of the nineteenth-century. It was founded by George J. Meyer who had learned his trade working with another Buffalo company, Curtiss Malting Company.
Calendar donated by Tom Frauenheim
Historic Photos
1. Heitzman’s Hotel at Amherst and Dearborn Streets, C. 1910. Photo donated by Carol Gilbert.
2. Interior of Heitzman’s Hotel, Frederick Leopold Heitzman behind bar wearing vest and tie, c.1900.Photo donated by Carol Gilbert.
New Articles
Jubilee Springs
