Who We Are
Our Mission
The Black Rock Historical Society was established in 2011 to preserve the heritage and history of the neighborhoods and people associated with the area defined as Black Rock in the City of Buffalo. Most easily identified as the current neighborhoods of Black Rock and Grant Amherst the heritage and culture of these communities have been tied together from the beginning, before the City of Buffalo when it was the Village of Black Rock. Telling this story is the culmination of many years of work to define and recognize these long-forgotten neighborhoods. The BRHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Grantors
Special thanks to our sponsors and grantors:
- County of Erie
- City of Buffalo
- Arts Services Inc.
- Baird Foundation
- Cullen Foundation
- Greater Hudson Heritage Network
- Lakomy Lyles Fund
- New York State Council on the Art / Museum Association of New York
- Paul & Hellen Ellis Charitable Trust
- Preservation League of NYS
An additional thank you to the RiverRock Times for sharing out original articles in their publication.
Directors
- William Butler, President
- Doreen DeBoth, Museum Curator
- John Dracup, Treasurer
- Linda Dynel
- Warren Glover
- Aung Hilang
- Mark Houghton
- Mary Ann Kedron
- Mark Peszko, Vice President
- Suzanne Pilon
Founders
- Doreen DeBoth
- Bogdan Fundalinski
- Scott Glasgow
- Mary Ann Kedron
- Joseph Korona
- Robert Niemiec
- Mark Peszko
What We Do
Accomplishments
Since its inception in 2011, the Society is proud of numerous projects, events and history programming:
- Commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the War of 1812
- Commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of Erie County
- Commemoration of 150th Fenian Invasion of Canada
- Approval of the Market Square and Lower Black Historic Districts
- Black Rock Historic Photo Project
- Spring and Fall Speaker Series
- Traveling exhibits featuring Market Square, War of 1812, Growth of Railroads, Erie Canal, and Black Rock Lock & Canal
- Black Rock amd Scajaquada Heritage Trail Brochures
- Black Rock Heritage Mural at Tonawanda and Amherst Streets
- Nineteen Historic Markers and Interpretive Signs
- Black Rock & Erie Canal Coloring & Activity Books
- Museum Exhibits & Collection Curation
- Art as History & History in Your Neighborhood Programs
Donate & Preserve Your History
The Black Rock Historical Society has been acquiring and preserving a significant collection for future generations to enjoy and learn about the Black Rock, Riverside, West Hertel, and Grant-Amherst communities of Buffalo, New York. Photographs, books, currency and coins, apparel and costumes, tools, furniture, religious and domestic artifacts, local industrial and business memorabilia and historical documents are items that reflect the rich culture and heritage of the area.
If you have something you would like to donate or loan to our collection, you may access a loan or donation form below. We appreciate and value any object that you can add to the development of our collection.
Traveling Exhibits
The BRHS has 20 portable exhibits that may be loaned to Schools, Libraries and Community Events. Topics include: Erie Canal, Railroads, Historic Market Square, War of 1812, and Black Rock Lock amd Canal.
If you would like to use any of our exhibits at your event, please email us at [email protected].
Our History
The Black Rock Historical Society emerged because of a multi- year neighborhood planning process wherein the communities in Northwest Buffalo; Black Rock, Riverside, Grant Amherst and West Hertel expressed a need to preserve their history. This was to enhance what had already been accomplished by the Buffalo History Museum collecting the stories and artifacts from these communities and use them to educate about the rich history of the area.
Initially receiving the provisional charter from the NYS Department of Education on May 20, 2013, the Black Rock Historical Society began to collect artifacts, do educational exhibits and generally grow the organization.
On April 9, 2019 the Board of Regents on behalf of the Board of Education of the State of New York.
Since that time we have continued our education mission, have opened a permanent historical society site and participated in multiple preservation district designations the organization continues to grow.
Celebrating our 11 year we are proud of our accomplishments and our heritage and history.
