Niagara County debuts 250th anniversary of independence traveling art exhibit

Story and photos by Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

Niagara County kicked off its tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary of independence celebration with a first look last Saturday of the county’s historical landmarks and figures from past centuries. Presented by First District Legislator Irene Myers of Ransomville, the debut at the SUNY Niagara Culinary Institute showcased distinct art creations reflecting the historical past of 15 Niagara County municipalities and the Tuscarora Nation.

“Tonight, we gather not only to begin a year-long celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday, but also to share some of the exciting events we have planned for the upcoming year,” Myers said. She recalled the county’s involvement in this project, first conceptualized in 2023 by Robert Emerson, executive director of the Old Fort Niagara Association.

“About two years ago, Niagara County was approached by Emerson … with the idea of establishing a committee to plan this historic celebration. The legislature adopted Bob’s suggestion and, since then, an incredible group of dedicated individuals have volunteered countless hours to bring the 250th celebration to life here in Niagara County,” Myers said.

County Legislature Chair Mike Hill (15th District) of Hartland said the artwork display is intended to convey the patriotism of the county and its residents.

“We reflect on 250 years of your nation’s history,” he said. “Years shaped by courage, sacrifice, hope and the enduring pursuit of liberty. The flag of the United States stands as a symbol of that shared journey and the ideals that unite us in freedom.”

Emerson praised the legislature’s commitment to this project, saying Niagara rises above other counties in the state.

“I’d like to also thank the Niagara County Legislature for the foresight in 2023 to establish our (Niagara 250^th) Committee,” he said.

Emerson went on to describe the goals of the committee, comprised of individuals from throughout Niagara’s borders: To garner interest in Niagara County history among residents; to strengthen Niagara’s status as a heritage tourism destination; to foster stewardship of Niagara County’s historical resources; and to build community pride among a diverse population.

“We set out to strengthen collaboration among historical organizations in Niagara County,” Emerson said.

Emerson provided a glimpse to visitors on the county’s celebration plans for 2026. One highlight will be an elaborate Aug. 1 event to take place at Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown.

“It will be an evening program (including) various musical concerts, and after dark will be Niagara County’s first-ever drone light show over the fort,” he said. “It’s going to be a free program, so tell your friends. … We hope to have a very, very large audience for musical entertainment all evening and then a drone-like show.”

The Tuscarora Nation with Waylon Wilson and a Nation member.

Niagara County Legislator Chris McKinney with the Town of Niagara water tower.

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Dr. Lloyd Holmes, president of SUNY Niagara, praised the work of Emerson and the 250th committee, calling Niagara’s traveling art exhibit “250 years in the making. They highlight the places and communities that define our region and help commemorate our historic county’s role in writing this nation’s history.”

He went on to complement the project’s time capsule display of paintings.

The painting of the localities and Old Fort Niagara were done by local artist Sal Anello. The Tuscarora painting was completed by Waylon Wilson, with collaborator Murisa Printup.

 Accompanying the exhibit is a “treasure box: created by the students in the welding department at SUNY Niagara under instructor Joe Schmidt as an “above-ground” time capsule. Over the course of the exhibit, localities will be invited to add an item to the box, which will then be locked at the end of the county’s 250 celebration, to be opened again in 50 years when the U.S. turns 300.

"In a sum, it's just exceptional," Holmes said.

The displays tell the stories behind the historical faces and landmarks of Niagara. Included are: Town of Porter, the Ontario House; Town of Lewiston, the Frontier House; City of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Reservation (Niagara Falls State Park); the Town of Niagara water tower, Town of Niagara; the Henry Theile dairy farm, Town of Wheatfield; the Rudolph Wurlitzer Co., City of North Tonawanda; Cambria Town Hall, Town of Cambria; Town of Wilson, the Railroad Station; Gertrude Warren and 4-H, Town of Pendleton; the large stone house on Chestnut Ridge, Town of Lockport; The Flight of Five, City of Lockport; the James Van Horn Mansion, Town of Newfane; Thirty Mile Point Light, Town of Summerset; the Vietnam-era Huey helicopter, tail number 15076, Town of Hartland; Belva Ann Bennett, Town of Royalton; and Tuscarora, the Tuscarora Nation.

Niagara County’s traveling art exhibit is on display through March 22 at the Niagara County Courthouse in Lockport. A list of locations and dates for the exhibit can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/4ay7k5w5.

Those who visit the exhibit can scan a QR code that gives a short explanation of each painting. This written narrative, accompanied by a picture of each painting, can also be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/44wyhn7y.

“We have a lot of good things coming down the road, but this is the start of our 250th year journey,” Myers said.

For more information on the program, visit www.niagaracounty.org.

•The Niagara County Public Information Office contributed to this report.

The traveling art exhibit schedule. (Courtesy of Niagara County)