2026 3rd Quarter Newsletter
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.
On June 16, the Paul & Helen Ellis Charitable Trust approved a $5,000 grant to the Black Rock Historical Society. These funds will be used to replace damaged vinyl graphics in our front window and purchase two additional display cases. We will also use this funding to design and produce a set of portable pop-up banner stands outlining the industrial heritage of northwest Buffalo.
On June 17, the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning allocated an additional $5,000 in cultural services funding to the Black Rock Historical Society. This funding will augment the originally designated $7,853 which helps finance our museum programs as well as defray the cost of our operating expenses. 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.
Education/Outreach – Zelazny Family Homecoming
On July 12, the Black Rock Historical Society welcomed members of the Zelazny family to the museum during their family reunion. With many traveling from California, Montana, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas, they returned to Black Rock to reconnect with the neighborhood that played such an important role in their family’s history.
Their day included a visit to Assumption R.C. Church, where they met with Father Richard Jedrzejewski, before crossing Amherst Street to tour the museum and learn more about the history of northwest Buffalo that served as the backdrop to their own family story.
The Zelazny family’s roots in Black Rock began in 1905, when their great-great-grandfather immigrated from Galicia, Poland. Over the years, the family established a tavern and market on Amherst Street, as well as the Mil-Grote Tavern at the corner of Military Road and Grote Street, becoming part of the neighborhood’s rich commercial and cultural heritage.
As is often the case with visits like these, we found ourselves learning as much as we were sharing. Family stories and memories provide valuable insights that help bring our community’s history to life. We are especially grateful to the Zelazny family for sharing their memories and look forward to adding several historic photographs from their family archives to the museum’s collection, helping preserve their legacy for future generations.
Erie County America 250
On June 11, we celebrated the grand opening of our America 250 exhibit, “The Story of the Stars & Stripes.” Designed and created by Museum Curator Doreen DeBoth, the exhibit traces the evolution of the American flag as a symbol of our nation’s growth, illustrating how the Stars and Stripes changed as new states joined the Union.
The exhibit is enhanced by a series of maps created by Buffalo State University Professor Mary Perrelli, illustrating the expansion of the United States as each new state was admitted. Together, the flags and maps provide visitors with a unique visual journey through American history.
“The Story of the Stars & Stripes” will remain on display at the Black Rock Historical Society Museum through July 2027.
Bill Butler
Board President
Upcoming Events:
Pan-American Exposition – 125th Anniversary
We are planning a Pan-American Exposition 125th Anniversary commemorative event at the former Precinct 13 Police Station (346 Amherst Street), where President William McKinley’s assassin, Leon Czolgosz, was first incarcerated following the shooting at the Pan-American Exposition.
Scheduled for Saturday, August 29, the event will feature a presentation examining the historical significance of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition and the assassination of President McKinley. Visitors will also experience a dramatic interpretation of Czolgosz’s confession by a historical reenactor, enjoy period music, and have the opportunity to tour the historic building with its owners, Andy and Julie McLellan.
2026 Annual Fundraiser
Our annual fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, at the Showplace Theatre (1065 Grant Street). This year’s event, “A Tribute to McVan’s Nite Club – The Floor Show Years,” will celebrate one of Buffalo’s legendary entertainment venues with an evening of nostalgia and live performances.
Hosted by our longtime emcee, Rick Falkowski, the program will explore the early history of McVan’s Nite Club and feature an exciting lineup of entertainers reminiscent of its famous floor shows, including singers, dancers, clowns, jugglers, and psychics.
New Acquisitions
Portrait of Wanda Klup
Wanda was the daughter of the Klup family who formerly owned a paint store at 495 Amherst Street.
Donated by Mark Peszko from the Estate of Wanda Klup
Pratt & Letchworth Army/Navy Lapel Pins
These two Army and Navy lapel production awards pins represent “E” awards (excellence) from Pratt & Letchworth c.1943. The obverse reads: “Army-Navy Production Award Sterling.”
Donated by Phyllis Horton
Roc Mar Bowling Ball, Size 16
Located on Amherst Street near Grant Street, Roc Mar was one of the most popular bowling venues in Buffalo.
Having twenty-four lanes, the last ball rolled off after thirty-five years.
Donated by Jack Sciabetta
Historic Photos
1. This is the site of the new Riverside Library, showing the outer shell of what is remaining of the Riverside Theater in December, 1985.
2. The walls are going up on the new Riverside Library as workmen take advantage of the fine spring weather in May of 1986.
New Articles
Black Rock’s Industrial Heritage: The Buffalo Weaving and Belting Company, Part Two
Black Rock Savings & Loan
2025 1st Quarter Newsletter
Our Museum in Action
The first quarter of 2025 has proven to be a very busy time 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. Fredricka Barton and the Friends of Freedom Park held a presentation on the importance of Freedom Park as the last stepping stone to freedom for so many of our brothers and sisters as part of the Underground Railroad.
Tim Bohen and his presentation on “The Emerald Thread” the impact of the Irish on Buffalo and Black Rock presented March 6th.
We look forward to more informative presentations with our upcoming Spring Speaker Series to Commence in May.
New Acquisitions
The Black Rock Historical Society received a new acquisition – a Civil War-era shoe that was found in the rafters of a house on East Street. It seems that this was a custom from Europe used to keep “evil spirits” away.
Here is an Old World example of the tradition found today in the 13th century Dominican Cloister, Tallinn, Estonia.
Historic Photos
New Articles
Polish Bakeries of Black Rock
