Historic Preservation

A historic carousel factory building located at North Tonawanda in Niagara County, New York. A national historic site and community resource for family recreation and learning that fosters an appreciation for the unique heritage of the carousel and related industries in the Niagara Region.

The Niagara County Historian’s Office is part of New York State’s network of officially appointed local government historians. The purpose of this office is to be a resource in the community, to research and write on the county’s history, and to help interpret community history by assisting teachers, schools, and civic organizations.

The role of the Niagara County Historical Society, also known as the History Center, is to promote the cultural heritage related to the Erie Canal and the rich history of Niagara County. The Society provides educational opportunities, written publications, and museum tours while maintaining an archives and artifact collection. The History Center Complex includes: the Outwater Memorial Building, The Erie Canal Discovery Center, and the Bond House.

The Sanborn Area Historical Society collects and interprets the rich history of Sanborn. There is a Schoolhouse Museum and Farm Museum on the premises. The numerous exhibits include artifacts from the life and times of early settlers, dating from the early 1800s.

The history of Old Fort Niagara spans more than 300 years. The fort was occupied by three nations: France, Great Britain, and the United States. Old Fort Niagara, located at the mouth of the Niagara River, controlled access to the Great Lakes and the westward route to the heartland of the continent. Visitors to the fort today will see the oldest buildings in the Great Lakes region, living history programs, exhibits, and special events.