Events

You Should Write a Book!

SoYouWantToWriteABook

How many times have your friends said, “You should write a book!”? Would you like to write a memoir or do you have expertise in one unique thing that no one else has written much about? Are you overwhelmed by your term paper, thesis, or dissertation? Or have you finished researching your family history and want to share it with the community? Perhaps your employer wants a souvenir book about its history to present to VIPs.  Is your neighborhood or house of worship’s history missing from the library’s bookshelves? Or you’ve already published some essays or you had a blog and you want to collect your best work in a single volume.

If you are contemplating a book project, getting published is easier than ever.  The bewildering variety of options include self-publishing, online publishing, and traditional commercial publishing. And there is much more to finishing your project than choosing your words, sentences, and paragraphs.

The Buffalo History Museum is pleased to offer a 4-part workshop series on navigating the nonfiction publishing process called So You Want to Write a Book? On all four Saturday mornings in February 2018, we will tackle critical questions on copyright and intellectual property, citing your sources, overcoming roadblocks, and finding a publisher or self-publishing.

Aspiring authors can sign up for the full series or pick and choose which sessions to attend.  All sessions will be held in the auditorium of The Buffalo History Museum at 1 Museum Court, corner of Elmwood and Nottingham Terrace.  Parking is free in our lot, plus we are on the #20 bus line.

The schedule is:

  • Week One: February 3, 2018, 10 am – 12 pm 

Copyrights and Copywrongs

Nonfiction writing 101; how to make sure your research is legal; understanding permissions and intellectual property. Featured speakers are Cynthia Van Ness, Daniel DiLandro, and Stephanie “Cole” Adams

  • Week Two: February 10, 2018, 10 am – 12 pm

Give Me Proof

Citing your sources, using footnotes or end notes, compiling bibliographies and indexes; establishing your authority, and crediting those whose work you relied on. Featured speakers are Cynthia Van Ness, Daniel DiLandro. Frank Kowsky, and WNY Indexers.

  • Week Three: February 17, 2018, 10 am – 12 pm

Roadblock Day

How to get unstuck, featuring a Q&A panel of local authors who have been in your shoes: Rosanne Higgins, Tom Reigstad, Shane Stephenson

  • Week Four: February 24, 2018, 10 am – 12 pm

Meet the Publishers

You finished your book, now what?  Meet with local publishers and distributors and discuss book layout, marketing, and social media. Featured speakers are Brian Meyer of Western New York Wares and Marti Gorman of Buffalo Heritage Unlimited.

  • Member rate for entire series: $30
  • Member rate for individual sessions: $10
  • General public rate for entire series: $50
  • General public rate for individual sessions: $20

To register online, go to:

www.buffalohistory.org/Visit/Calendar.aspx

Click on February.  Then click on any of the workshops and scroll to bottom.  

Questions? Call 716-873-9644 x320 or email mmacneill@buffalohistory.org

Education & Educators at The Buffalo History Museum

Hello!  My name is Doreen Dell and I am the education assistant at The Buffalo History Museum. As teacher for 50 years, my position at the Museum perfectly aligns with my passion and expertise as an educator and history lover. Additionally, I get to work with teachers and students all over Western New York, a privilege I have always enjoyed. I’m excited about this coming October and looking forward to meeting educators who are not only seeking to share Western New York history with their students, but to share ideas with Museum staff and colleagues. Through our new after-school event, Teachers’ Night Out, we hope to help teachers unwind from a day of teaching and socialize over the Museum’s offerings.

Mark your calendar: Teachers’ Night Out will be held on Wednesday, October 12 from 4 – 6 pm at The Buffalo History Museum.

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Buffalo Bliss photo studio located in the Street of Shops

Teachers will have multiple opportunities to learn about the resources available while exchanging ideas with other teachers. Featured are tours on varied topics that will suit a number of lesson plans: We have World War I posters, Paper Bullets: The Posters That Sold the War, in our State Court. You can see Inside Tim Russert’s Office: If it’s Sunday, it’s “Meet the Press” exhibit. The John R. Oishei Native American Gallery exhibit features the history of the Haudenosaunee. In The John R. Oishei Pioneer Gallery, you can learn about Buffalo Creek from 1806 to the burning of Buffalo. The Neighbors exhibit highlights those who came to Buffalo and made the city what it is today. In the Victorian Street of Shops, early businesses are featured on a cobble stone lane. The Bliss photo studio is popular with youngsters and funsters who like to dress up and take selfies for social media sharing. thumb_img_2507_1024My personal favorites are the newly developed history kits, proven to be an effective teaching tool that students will love; the Native American Kit and the Pioneer Kit have artifacts, reproductions, mini posters and an activity book and are available to rent for your classroom. These kits have been met with rave reviews. You will also have the opportunity to try your luck at identifying an artifact from the early 1800s as you examine our Artifact Detective Program that can be presented at your school.

In addition to the program tours and learning tools to explore, our research library will be open so that you can learn how to obtain primary source materials.

Other participating cultural organizations include: The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, Steel Plant Museum of Western New York, Old Fort Niagara, and the Niagara Frontier Council for the Social Studies.

Did I mention there will be prizes and a happy hour? One of my favorite parts of my job is working with teachers to integrate our resources into their programs. Drop in for a minute or stay as long as we’re open; I look forward to meeting you and your classroom needs.

Letter from the Executive Director

Melissa2traditions, family, friends, warmth, summer. . . celebrations!

Greetings!

Newsletter15_CoverThe costumed people on the cover and the theme of this edition of “The Album,” prompts me to share a favorite summer memory and a sentiment about the Museum’s celebrations…

On the third Sunday of July, the Ganshaw and Koeppen families, my maternal ancestors, convene. The reunion dates back to just before I was born and has always been a steadfast summer tradition.

At one o’clock the folding chairs emerge under the old tree canopy. Requisite sacred beer steins, a choice dish-to-pass, family dessert specialties, and fun door prizes are the order of the day. Adding to the processional-like set up, my grandmother and her eleven siblings would gather costumes to don before dinner. The Aunts and Uncles slipped on and into oversized old hats and miss-matched garments, patriotic sashes, loud ties, and character costumes of the day (yep, a Big Bird get-up and the like did not push boundaries of flamboyancy). Grilled marinade chicken cooked over old half-barrel charcoal pits made our mouths water as this colorful feast of family fun – all made sacred-in-tradition by the clipped cadence of Great-Uncle Bill’s German blessing – wafts in warm summer memories of my youth.

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Now in its 11th year, Party on the Portico has come to brand the same delightful recall of tradition and idyllic summer gatherings on the steps and grounds of the Museum’s portico (minus the zany costumes).  Or, as we like to say, our sensational porch party!  Each summer, at each of the three portico parties, we greet a reunion of our history Museum “family” members, friends and new faces (soon to be familiar) to celebrate al fresco the people, their stories, the gorgeous views, the music, and, of course, the glorious Museum. 

FoodTruckRodeo_AllDates_SqWith the Food Truck Rodeo in its 4th season, the first Wednesday in June, July, August, and September, we’ve enjoyed regular visits from families who claim their own special tree to spread a blanket and sup outdoors on the Museum grounds while taking in the nature, music and sunshine. Friends and families also take advantage of free admission and kid-friendly activities offered.

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The Antique and Classic Car show offers the same convivial annual summertime treat for all who love gleaming motorized works of art on display the first Sunday in August. 

With all the wonderful gatherings happening not only at the Museum, but everywhere in town, I hope you choose to embrace our family and share in some of the tradition…the history…the celebration! 

We’d love to see you. 

Melissa

Porch Party!

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The Buffalo History Museum grooves into its 11th Annual Party on the Portico summer happy hour series on M&T Third Fridays – June, July, and August. The popular outdoor summer soiree features historic delights and great live music – all happening the most magnificent back porch steps and surrounding grounds in town. This year’s line-up brings to stage a mix of young talent swinging the local scene and the finest venerated musicians around. First up (June 17) is Fredtown Stompers (Sean Ebert, trumpet/cornet/vocals; Mike “Magoo” McGough- piano/vocals; Melissa Sauers, clarinet /vocals; Ralph DeMarco, tenor sax; Brian DeJesus, bass; Brian McKenna, drums) a fun six-piece band who bring Dixieland tunes into full swing. Nothing says summer like some good Naw ‘leans jazz in Western New York. Next (July 15) features the sultrier side of summer with The Shadows featuring DeeAnn DiMeo. All with a pulse will groove and dance to the smokin’ hot soul and R&B music by venerated musicians: Bob Falk (guitar, vocals); Ron Davis (keyboards vocals); Reggie Evans (drums, vocals); and, Chris Haug (bass). Finally (Aug 19), and so worth the wait, The Willies take the stage with Buffalo’s revered players: Willie Schoellkopf (guitar, vocals); Bob Falk (guitar, vocals); Jim Ehinger (keyboards, vocals); Steve Sadoff (Fender bass); and, Mike Phelps (drums). Clapton, The Band, and Steely Dan lovers become joyful when this band cuts loose.

2015-08-21 16.47.23Party on the Portico, guests meet up with friends and enjoy live music, party snacks, cash bar, free 15-minute mini tours of the Museum, and spectacular views of Delaware Park. Always a great time…Come hang on our porch with us!

Time: 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Tix: $5 member/$10 general (Tickets go on sale May 15)
Additional parking in McKinley High School lot
The general public may contact 716-873-9644 / info@buffalohistory.org  or visit www.buffalohistory.org.
The series runs rain or shine and is exclusively for guests ages 21 and over.
Party on the Portico – August is sponsored by Medaille College
M&T THIRD FRIDAYS is sponsored by M&T Bank.
Media Sponsor: WBBZ-TV

Constance Caldwell
Director of Communications and Community Engagement

 

Start Your Engines!

Last year’s 1st Antique & Classic Car Show at The Buffalo History Museum.

The Buffalo History Museum 2nd Annual Antique & Classic Car Show is nigh!

The rain or shine festivities will showcase prized autos that are true works of gleaming history, art and industry on wheels. Among the hundred plus cars anticipated (provided the weather is fair), this year introduces a special section for cars “Made In Buffalo” and will feature 1936 Pierce Arrow Coupe and 3 Playboy Motor Cars.

Adding to a full day of history fun, the Museum is offering free admission, free docent led mini- tours… And, what’s an event without food? Bring your own picnic or nosh on the old fashion menu of favorite festival foods while chillin’ out to the ‘Hit Parade’ tunes by DJ ICE!

Nalina Shapiro from Channel 4 – WIVB will host the awards ceremony portion of the event.

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News 4 Buffalo WIVB Nalina Shapiro

WHEN: Sunday, August 3, 2014
TIME: 12 noon – 4 p.m.
COST: Museum admission and show are free
WHERE: The Buffalo History Museum
One Museum Court (Elmwood Ave. and Nottingham Terr.)

Since our parking lot is filled with show cars, there is parking along the park edge and additional parking can be found in McKinley High School lot at 1500 Elmwood, just across the street and a half block north of the Museum

By the way, if you have a show car and wish to enter: registration for cars day of event is from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Cost is only $15. The coveted dash plaque magnets – collected by participants – will be given to the first 100 registrants.

Affordable Summer Fun

SummerPassFlyerAs a twenty-something professional, looking for something to do after work – something cost effective, interesting, and fun – with so much going on in WNY, can be quite a hunt. That’s why I am so excited to share the news about the great deal that the Summer Season Pass offers.

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Party on the Portico featuring the Informers, July 2013

The Buffalo History Museum has partnered with Preservation Buffalo Niagara this summer to offer a joint membership for the 2014 June, July and August months, for only twenty dollars!

All membership perks are honored by The Museum and PBN: free exhibits, discounted Party on the Portico happy hour series (only $5!), free educational programming, and much more.

All told, the Buffalover will fall even deeper in love with the city after taking advantage of this great deal. Check it out, give me a call and I’ll sign you up: 873 -9644 ext 318; or, register online.

Hope to see you on the Portico … or maybe at a lecture … or maybe on a tour!

Alexis Greinert
Donor Relations and Membership Coordinator 

Think Cherry Blossoms!
The Buffalo History Museum in Cherry Blossoms
The Buffalo History Museum and
Cherry Blossoms

The Japanese Gardens of Buffalo were originally conceived in 1970 with construction being complete in 1972. The purpose was to create a place of beauty and tranquility as well as commemorate the sister city relationship between Buffalo, New York and Kanazawa, Japan. Based on a famous garden in Kanazawa, Japan the Japanese Gardens of Buffalo are located in the Fredrick Law Olmsted Parkway system on the banks of Mirror Lake behind The Buffalo History Museum. The Gardens feature three islands, Japanese garden lanterns, pagodas, and a pathway with rustic stone steps imported from Japan. It is considered a horticultural masterpiece with over one thousand plants, including fifty flowering Cherry Blossom trees and an extensive Hosta collection, donated by the Hosta Society of Western New York. There is also a collection of Japanese Maple and Evergreen trees.

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The first ever Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from April 23 to May 4, 2014 in and around the Japanese Garden in Delaware Park, Buffalo, New York.

The Buffalo History Museum is thrilled to be among the several local cultural organizations that will assist in executing interpretive programming for visitors of all ages and walks of life.

  • An academic lecture and book signing with Dr. Francis Kowsky who will speak about his publication, ” The Best Planned City in the World: Olmsted, Vaux, and the Buffalo Park System. That takes place on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
  • A traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony that will take place at The Buffalo History Museum on Wednesday April 23, 2014. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the ancient Ceremony lead by Atsuko Nishida-Mitchell.
  • On Saturday, April 26 with a lecture and booking signing by Washington D.C. based author Ann McClellan. McClellan will speak about her book, “The Cherry Blossom Festival: Sakura Celebration.” The lecture will discuss the long standing and famous Cherry Blossom Festival of the nation’s capital and draw parallels to Buffalo’s inaugural celebration.
  • Activities will take place in the Japanese Gardens throughout the entire Festival including Japanese kite making, games, dancers, musicians, puppeteers, and dancers.
  • CherryBlossomDay On Sunday, May 4, Cherry Blossom Family Day features artifact scavenger hunts, museum tours, live performers and lots more!

Tara Lyons,
Program Manager

Always a bridesmaid…..FINALLY a bride!

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In order to start getting ready for our Something Old, Something New event I decided to do some research on wedding traditions and superstitions for some Facebook fodder. There was one superstition that grabbed my attention. Three times a bridesmaid, never a bride, unless you’re a bridesmaid seven times only then will you break the curse and be a bride!

Well, as it turns out I’ve been a bridesmaid seven times! (Soon to be eight, in June) Some girls may find this to be a curse, but I honestly feel so fortunate to have been such a special part of one of the most important days in my closest friends’ lives. Yes, being a bridesmaid is expensive and time consuming – I have the dresses hanging in my closet to prove it! But, alas, I have some great memories for always that has made it all worthwhile.

I guess this “bridesmaid curse” might have some truth to it since I will finally be a bride this September and all of my matron friends will be standing by my side with a new dress to hang in their closet.

Since I can’t invite all who read this blog to my wedding, the next best invitation I can extend is to join us at The Buffalo History Museum’s second annual Something Old, Something New event that will take place March 2 at 3 p.m. There will be a pop-up bridal exhibit, bridesmaid dresses on display, an auction, food, drinks and more!    Check out the details on our website buffalohistory.org

Jennifer
Marketing Associate/Graphic Designer