Ken Slaugenhoupt to speak at next HAL meeting

Historical Association of Lewiston press release

The Historical Association of Lewiston is pleased to present Ken Slaugenhoupt for its next program, titled, “Into the Wilderness.” This presentation will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah Fellowship Hall, 915 Oneida St.

Slaugenhoupt will present a synopsis of what the harsh realities were for the first pioneer settlers to break ground in Western New York. Following the American Revolution, and after a period of resolving details relative to the new borders and opportunities for this fledgling United States, there came a time when land was opened for purchase – and for a great many people, this represented an unprecedented chance to make a new and prosperous life. Think, for a moment, how people moving into Lewiston today are most likely anxious to face their new future. Where will they find a home? How will they be greeted by their new neighbors?

Now, rethink that situation with the stark reality that there are no roads, no houses to choose from, no grocery stores, no existing farms to get beef and eggs, no churches to rely upon. In fact, for the very early settlers, there were no friends, no communities, no doctors or hospitals. Only wild lands, heavily wooded. Bears, bobcats, rattlesnakes, and independent and fierce natives you knew little if anything about.

Attendees will hear about a few real stories of the earliest settlers in this area.

Slaugenhoupt is a past president of the Historical Association of Lewiston. He has presented on a wide variety of historic events and stories throughout Western New York and enjoys constantly learning more about these topics. He grew up on the bank of the Niagara Straight right where the “gully” marking the Lower Landing of the great portage around Niagara Falls has been located for thousands of years.

As a young boy, Slaugenhoupt played throughout the Niagara River gorge and met with archeologists excavating the tremendous history of this very special site. Long a student of the settling of Western New York by Europeans, the story of pioneers is of great interest and fascination. He enjoys leading walking historic tours of the Lower Landing, which is now within Artpark every summer.

This event is HAL’s annual meeting, so there will be a short business session before the speaker. Dues-paying members will be able to vote for candidates to fill the board of trustees.

This community event is free and open to all. but donations are greatly appreciated to help support the museum. Refreshments will be served.