Winter 2014 - The Album

You can't get too much winter...

It’s interesting what select artifacts we curate in the galleries of our memory museums.

Memory is fickle.

I vividly remember the winter of 1997.

Melissa Brown Constance Caldwell Jennifer LaBella Robie Carmina, Rebecca Justinger, Tara Lyons, Kimberly Luangpakdy, Cynthia Van Ness Closed Mondays.

Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Thursday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday - 12:00 Noon - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday - Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Members: FREE Children Under 7: FREE Veterans: FREE Children (7-12): $2.50 Adults: $7 Students & Seniors : $5 Henry J. Nowak - President Joan Bukowski - Vice President Ken Friedman - Vice President John L. Hurley, Jr. - Vice President Alisa A. Lukasiewicz - Vice President Steven McCarville - Vice President Catherine Schweitzer - Secretary Philip C. Kadet - Treasurer Peter Ahrens Cheryl Lyles Kristin Saperston Scott Fisher Vincent Mancuso Mark Severson Carley Jean Hill Mark L. Martin Mark V. Taylor Allan Jamieson Heidi A. Raphael Greg D. Tranter Cover: Photo from the collection of The Buffalo History Museum, Delaware Park.

The Buffalo History Museum is a private not-for-profit organization tax exempt under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It receives operating support from the County of Erie, the City of Buffalo, the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA, a state agency), and from members and friends.

The Buffalo History Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

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I still feel its impact.

I rented a room in a mint green duplex situated a twenty minute walk from Harvard Square. I found a job at the Cambridge Antique Market. Each shift, I was assigned a floor to circulate; answer questions and offer access to the little treasures locked within the many, many cases comprising each booth.

There was a registrar position open. The idea of finding a paying job at home was not a prospect I had considered. I didn’t get the registrar position. County funding had provided a different opportunity for me-Collections Assistant.

I cried when I told my parents I got the job. (They probably cried when I explained that I would be moving back in with them for a stint.)

I teared up a bit on the commute home after my first day. I had landed my dream job.

I worked a second job at Dona Flor on Newbury Street. Seemed when Dean Martin took his turn in the music mix, customers bought more. Giant ceramic pears and apples were a popular purchase. Packing them to ship made me very nervous. They were composed of a thin-bodied ceramic with substantial wooden stems begging to be snapped off with one bad bump.

After 15 years, the essence of that experience fuels my heart.

Since that time, I have always wanted others to know the joy I find here. We, at The Buffalo History Museum thrill at witnessing the unexpected, unanticipated moments of revelation experienced encountering our collection. We are intent on maximizing our assets and advantages in service of multiplying this impact. The Giants of Buffalo series, the War of 1812 lectures, food truck rodeos, a visitor experience study, the antique car show, a Sabres exhibit, the bridal event. . .with more on the horizon.

My third job was finding a job. Finding a job in my chosen career path nearly broke me. With an average of 83 resumes circulating at one time, multiple rounds of interviews, no-call-backs, the rejections- the process took a toll.

On my desk, I keep a framed verse from Elbert Hubbard‘s serial Little Journeys, “The love you liberate in your work is the love you keep.” Love causes an impact.

I spent the holidays at home and ventured into the “Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society” to hand-deliver my resume.

All my best, Melissa

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“You can't get too much winter in the winter."

–Robert Frost

Cynthia Van Ness, MLS Director of Library & Archives If you’ve taken up genealogy, you know the impact of finally finding a picture of your great-grandfather’s tavern. Or seeing a picture of the longdemolished corner deli where you bought Atomic Fireballs as a kid.

And then there’s the impact when a new fact upends your understanding of what happened back when. Gospel truth does get demoted to urban legend, but first it puts up a fight. One of the just-will-not-die Buffalo urban legends is that in 1901, every house in Buffalo was supposedly photographed for the Pan-American Exposition and we have the pictures. If only it was true!

We do have an estimated 12,000 house pictures dating mostly from 1870-1970, but there was no campaign to photograph the entire city for the Pan-Am. We don’t have pictures of everyone’s house, then or now. There are another estimated 12,000 pictures of schools, factories, churches, hotels, office buildings, grain elevators, and so on.

Our pictures are not online, so an in-person visit is needed to see them.

This extensive collection of architectural imagery has another kind of impact: economic.

How so?

Pacemaker Medtronic Minneapolis, MN 1965 Rebecca Justinger Registrar In 1958, Dr. Wilson Greatbatch of Clarence, NY invented and patented the lifesaving cardiac pacemaker. Dr. Greatbatch worked alongside Dr. William M. Chardack and Dr. Andrew A. Gage to create the device and it was first used in humans at Millard Fillmore Hospital in 1960. The variable rate/variable output artificial implantable cardiac pacemaker and the fixed rate/fixed output artificial implantable cardiac pacemaker, which are shown in the photograph above, are on permanent display in the Bflo. Made! Exhibit. These two medical marvels are perfect examples of the ingenuity and inventiveness that Western New York has to offer.

Dr. Greatbatch founded Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. in 1970 to develop long-lived primary batteries to fuel pacemakers. He created the lithium iodide battery system to replace the mercury batteries that powered the early models that are on display in the museum. To this day, both the pacemakers and the special batteries that meet the particular needs of the pacemaker’s pulse generators are made by Wilson Greatbatch, Ltd. in Clarence.

Dr. Greatbatch’s exceptional inventions maintain a profound, global impact in our lives.

Maybe you’ve noticed that Buffalo’s often deteriorated buildings are getting restored, repurposed, and re-occupied at an unprecedented rate. The Lafayette Hotel renovation was just the most celebrated of a long and growing list of rehabs. In Buffalo, existing buildings are attracting more private construction dollars than new-builds. This resurgence has a lot to do with the National Register and New York State’s preservation tax credit program.

In most Buffalo neighborhoods, getting listed on the National Register opens up tax credits for the restoration of old buildings, both residential and commercial. Property owners typically depend on professional architectural historians to write National Register nominations. In turn, professional architectural historians depend on the Library’s collection for historical evidence, visual and otherwise, to make the case for National Register eligibility. We have the region’s largest collection of period photographs, atlases, and architectural drawings.

Investment = jobs, and not just for architectural historians. Bringing back old buildings means hiring architects, engineers, roofers, plumbers, plasterers, electricians, painters, carpenters, decorators, and more. Preservation is good for Buffalo’s economy because when you renovate an existing building, you typically spend about 60% of your budget on labor, which is usually supplied by local talent.

In turn, those paychecks are spent mostly in the local economy on rent, groceries, etc. The remaining 40% goes to materials, which are usually manufactured elsewhere. For a new build, that ratio is reversed. Forty percent of your budget goes to labor and 60% leaves the local economy to buy materials made elsewhere.

We like to think that in our own indirect way, the Library is helping in the revitalization of Buffalo, one building at a time.

To learn more about New York State’s preservation tax credit program, go to: nysparks.com/shpo/tax-credit-programs/ To learn more about the National Register, go to: www.nps.gov/nr/faq.htm To learn more about the economic impact of historic preservation, go to: www.achp.gov/economic-general.html

For over 20 years, the Rail Baron’s model train display has ranked among the Museum’s most popular attractions.

Trains will run every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m., Thanksgiving weekend - February 24th.

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1. Melissa Brown, Thomas Beecher, Edward Walsh,Jr., Edward Walsh,Sr., Bruce Johnston, Richard Penfold, Christopher T. Greene, Karen Penfold, Edwin A. Mirand, Ph.D., Wayne Wisbaum, David Rumsey, Gary Costello, Robert Kresse, Gail Johnston, Madeline Davis, Tricia Marcus. (From back row left to right) 2. Edward Walsh,Sr. & Edward Walsh,Jr. 3. Madeline Davis & Anthony Chase

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Photos by Susan Eck, Cheryl Gorski, staff, and friends

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4. Polly Little, Joan Bukowski, & Wendy Huntington 5. Alexis Greinert, Rebecca Justinger, & Joyce Bruyere 6. Steve McCarville, Paul Vukelic, Greg Tranter 7. Charles Phoenix at the Anchor Bar 8. Charles Phoenix at the Broadway Market with Melanie 9. Mary Louise Stanley, Charles Pheonix, & Lori Robinson 10. Charles Phoenix at the Lake Effect Diner 11. Walt Mayer gives Buffalo State students a tour of the Resource Center 12. Greg Tranter, Lori Robinson, Angelo Caico, Robie Carmina, Carley Hill, Mark Taylor 13. Melissa Brown wins 40 under 40 award

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New Exhibits on Display

“By Fire and Sword: The War in the Niagara Theatre, 1812- 1814” This exhibit focuses on the Niagara Frontier’s role in one of our nation’s most formative military engagements.

The John R. Oishei Native American Gallery This permanent installation traces the region’s history through its first inhabitants, while focusing on the formation and evolution of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

The Buffalo History Museum requests the pleasure of your company to

Something Old, Something New An annual fundraising event showcasing vintage, traditional, and DIY bridal trends.

Plus, exclusive access to collections curated especially for the “big day.”

March 2, 2014 Sunday, 3 - 6 P.M.

One Museum Court • Buffalo, NY 14216 For more information www.buffalohistory.org or 716.873.9644 #buffalohistory

In 2013, The Buffalo History Museum experienced a renaissance of innovative programming that engages audiences of all ages, interests and backgrounds. We implemented state-of-theart technology in our “1812: By Fire and Sword – War in the Niagara Theatre.” We also launched new events, including the Food Truck Rodeo and Antique Car Show while welcoming thousands of new visitors to The Buffalo History Museum. Offering innovative programs and preserving the artifacts and stories of our region’s rich history is an ongoing venture. Monthly gifts provide The Buffalo History Museum a sustainable financial foundation to build our future. Become a Pillar of The Buffalo History Museum today.

Please print all information, detach and return with payment to: One Museum Court, Buffalo, NY 14216. Please contact Kimberly Luangpakdy at 873.9644, ext. 322 for more information.

Your gift per month: $15

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Thank you for supporting The Buffalo History Museum. Your contribution is 100% tax deductible as no goods or services will be provided.

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7 Tuesday

Toddler Story Time: Happy New Year, 10-11a.m.

Museum admission; members free.

Storytelling, craft, museum mini tour.

3 Tuesday

Toddler Story Time: Happy Holidays!, 10-11a.m.

Museum admission; members free.

Storytelling, craft, museum mini-tour.

7 Saturday

Burning of Buffalo Commemoration, Bonfire @ Squaw Island, 6p.m.

Free event at Squaw Island. Organized by the Black Rock Historical Society and the Good Neighbors Planning Allicance. A large bonfire on Squaw Island will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the burning of the Village of Buffalo and Black Rock during theWar of 1812. Free museum admission with “Burning of Buffalo” passport.

14 Saturday

Hotel Lafayette Tour & Lunch, Noon $35 general; $30 members. Limited to 40 people. Pre-registration required. Meet at the main lobby of the historic Hotel @ the Lafayette for a guided tour of the building that gives insight to the first American female architect, Louise Bethune. Lunch at the Pan American Brewery is included.

18 Wednesday

War of 1812 lecture, “The Role of Cyrenius Chapin in the Burning of Buffalo & Black Rock” speaker Doug Kohler, 6 p.m.

Museum admission; members free. Doug Kohler, Erie County Historian, will discuss the burning of Buffalo and Black Rock during the War of 1812 on December 31, 1813. This year marks the 200th anniversary.

20 Friday

*M & T Third Friday: Main museum and Resource Center open. Free general admission, 10a.m-5p.m.

Free guided tours from 1-3p.m. *M & T Third Friday: Holiday History Family Event, 5-9p.m. $10/child general public; $5/child members, adult members free; regular admission for adults. Crafts, caroling, museum tours, model trains, storytelling, hot chocolate, artifact scavenger hunts, horse drawn carriage rides, pop-up holiday artifact exhibit.

11 Saturday

House History Workshop, 10a.m.-Noon Part I only: $10, Part I & II: $20, pre-registration required for part II ONLY, limit 15 people. Director of the Research Library, Cynthia Van Ness, will present a House History 101 lesson in the auditorium from 10am-11am (fee of $10, no registration required). Part II will allow only 15 people to begin their research in the Library.

17 Friday

*M & T Third Friday: Main museum and Resource Center open. Free general admission, 10a.m.-5p.m.

Free guided tours from 1-3p.m. *M & T Third Friday: Behind the Scene Tour - Quilts, 1-3p.m. & 6:30-8:30p.m. $10/person, members free. Pre-registration required, limit to 15 people. A behind the scenes tour of our quilt collection will take place at the Resource Center located at 459 Forest Ave, led by Director of Collections Walter Mayer.

19 Sunday

Martin Luther King Remembrance Program, 3p.m.

Free. Honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. This is an annual collaboration with the African American Historical Association.

25 Saturday

African American Story Telling, 2-3p.m.

Free. Interactive family storytelling and songs with Sharon Holley.

29 Wednesday

War of 1812 lecture: “The Niagara Campaign of 1814,” speaker Patrick Kavanagh., 6p.m.

Museum admission; members free. Patrick Kavanagh, researcher for Forest Lawn Cemetery will discuss the Niagara Campaign of 1814 and its connection to artifacts on display in the exhibit

By Fire and Sword: War in the Niagara Theatre, 1812-1814.

1 Saturday

Genealogy Workshop, 10a.m.-Noon Part I only: $10/person, Part I & Part II: $20 pre-registration required, limit 15 people. Director of the Research Library, Cynthia Van Ness, will present a Genealogy 101 lesson in the auditorium from 10am-11am (fee of $10, no registration required). Part II will allow 15 people to begin their research in the Library.

4 Tuesday

Toddler Story Time: Happy Birthday, Abe Lincoln, 10-11a.m.

Museum admission; members free. Storytelling, craft, museum mini tour.

5 Wednesday

“Strangers in the Land of Paradise: Creation of an African American Community,” lecture and book signing with Lillian Serece Williams, 6:30p.m.

Museum admission; members free. Dr. Lillian S. Williams is Associate Professor and former chair of the Department of African American Studies at UB. Her publication Strangers in the Land of Paradise discusses the lives of African Americans in Buffalo from 1900 to 1940 revealing much about race, class, and gender in the development of urban communities.

15 Saturday

Abe Lincoln’s Birthday Celebration, Noon Free. The longest running celebration of Abe Lincoln’s birthday in the US. Civil War reenactors, live gun salute, Abe Lincoln and Mary Todd impersonator, and live music from the Irish Volunteers and Fife & Drum Corps. Collaboration with Civil War Roundtable and Echoes Through Time Civil War Museum. **Tuesday 18 through Friday 21: 10a.m.-1p.m.

Museum admission, members free. Families can enjoy guided museum tours, artifact scavenger hunts, historic crafts, and our model train diorama while school is on winter break!

21 Friday

*M & T Third Friday: Main museum and Resource Center open. Free general admission, 10a.m.-5p.m.

Free guided tours from 1-3p.m. *M & T Third Friday: African American Storytelling: 10-11a.m.

Free. Interactive storytelling with Sharon Holley. Main museum and Resource Center open for free. Free guided tours from 1-3p.m. *M & T Third Friday: A Night at the History Museum, 6-9p.m.

Free. See our exhibits come to life! Meet Red Jacket, Millard Fillmore, Mary Talbert, and solidier from the War of 1812. Live actors in period costume will be in each museum exhibit along with historic crafts, artifact scavenger hunts, museum tours…and MORE!

26 Wednesday

Abe Lincoln Birthday Celebration!

Longest running celebration of Abe Lincoln’s birthday in the US. Civil War re-enactors, live gun salute, Lincoln impersonator reading the Gettysburg address and more.

Collaboration with Civil War Roundtable.

War of 1812 lecture, “Burning and Banner: The Niagara Origins of the 1014 Chesapeake Campaign,” 6 p.m.

Museum admission; members free. Lecture with speaker Doug DeCroix, executive editor of the WNY Heritage Magazine.

*M&T THIRD FRIDAY event On the third Friday of every month, admission to the Buffalo History Museum, Resource Center, and select events are free for everyone from 10 a.m. – 5p.m.

Dates and times subject to change

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Uniquely Buffalo Gifts Books. Posters. Jewelry. Toys. Local Artists Members receive 10% discount on many items. Evening Shopping Hours on Wednesday until 8 p.m.

Free & Plentiful Parking.

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BUFFALO, NY PERMIT No. 3626

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