Museums

Yes, as with all museums, we cannot display it all. There are various reasons for this. The care of the collection is our primary reason, the longer items are on display, the more harmful it is. Light, temperature and humidity are potential harmful for most artifacts. Not all artifacts are interesting to the public, it is important that museums provide the context for the items on display, without that, it is just ‘stuff’ to the public, therefore, those items on display are chosen because they assist with telling the story that we want to tell visitors and the community at a given time. It is hoped that at some point in an artifacts lifetime it will be shown in temporary exhibitions or in the permanent galleries. Visitors are also encouraged to go to our online database to see what they don’t see on display.

Willoughby and Battle Ground Hotel are both admission by donation. The Niagara Falls History Museum currently has a minimal charge for visitors.

We collect and interpret the history of Niagara Falls. Our Museums display aspects of everyday life. Each museum is very unique. Willoughby Historical Museum has an emphasis on the rural life of the former Willoughby Township and the village of Chippawa. The Battle Ground Hotel Museum is a living history site, showing the early tourism history of Niagara Falls that developed around the Battle of Lundy’s Lane Battlefield. The Niagara Falls History Museum explores all aspects of the history of Niagara Falls, with extensive collections related to the War of 1812, tourism and early industry.

Visit the Contact Us page for Museum Hours of Operation.

The work being conducted on the New Niagara Falls History Museum will be completed in Spring 2012, with the official opening being July 21, 2012