Historical society celebrates 130 years
Lundy’s Lane Historical Society celebrated its 130th anniversary Friday.
And the historical preservation group, one of the oldest in the region, celebrated with a reverence for the past, and an eye on the future.
The society’s leadership reflected back on the group’s founding in 1887 and the foresight of 10 citizens of the then Village of Niagara Falls who saw the “wisdom” of preserving the past for the benefit of everyone who followed them.
“The founders’ objectives back then sound pretty much like our objectives today,” said Michael Booth, the society’s president.
“They wanted to collect and preserve the information and artifacts from the crucial period of our country’s formation — the War of 1812, and particularly the storied Battle of Lundy’s Lane. And they wanted to acknowledge the sacrifices of the men and women of that period, and what they contributed to the community we enjoy 130 years later.”
And that’s what the society is also trying to do today, said Booth, “so the remarkable history of this area is passed on to everyone who follows in our footsteps.”
The society has approximately 100 members, and some ambitious plans, said Booth.
There is a program to keep key historical books in print, special events each year and a plan to create a plaque for the Drummond Hill Cemetery. The organization also hopes to expand its educational program to reach more area students.
This year the Battle of Lundy’s Lane commemorative service will be held July 25 at 7 p.m. at Drummond Hill Cemetery on Lundy’s Lane.
“We have some terrific history in our area and our job is to make sure it isn’t forgotten,” said Booth.
The society has monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month from September to June.
Meetings are held at the main branch of the Niagara Falls Public Library on Victoria Avenue with guest speakers and special events.
He said the society welcomes new members.
For more information, visit lundyslanehistoricalsociety.com.