Town of Niagara Historical Society

7105 Lockport Road

Niagara Falls, New York

14305

(716) 297-6601

The Town of Niagara Historical Society welcomes you to take this virtual tour of our museum:   

  From "History Lessons", Readin' Writin & History'  (May 2000).  Although this building was constructed in 1878, the school district was begun in 1824.  Established as School District  No. 8, in 1866 the number was later changed to 6.  In 1892, after Niagara Falls became a city, the school  district  again changed; this time to No. 2.  The Minute Book from 1842 to 1934 was begun after the first building on the site was constructed.  A meeting was held once a year to vote for new officers and transact other business.  Most minutes were sketchy, although physical changes to the buildings were usually noted.  The trustee was entrusted to care for the physical needs of the school for each year.  A separate tax collector was elected.  The minute book listed librarians, but no teachers.  Books seemed a primary concern.

The school terms were a bit of a mystery. In 1850, the minutes specify there be a winter term of four months.  In 1855, it was voted that there be at least eight months of school taught the ensuing year.  The next year, eight months was again voted upon, with four of those specified as the "winter term".  By 1858, only the winter term was specified.  After 1865, seventeen weeks was voted  for the winter term.  In 1868, it was voted there be nine months of school.  In 1882.  reference is made to a summer term. In 1883, it was voted that there be at least 32 weeks of school.

Classes were held until 1956.  In August 1956, the trustees met with the officials of the newly Consolidated Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District and voted to close Niagara No. 2.  The building was used for storage by the district until it was sold to the Town of Niagara Historical Society in 1980.  After restoration by the Historical Society it opened as a museum in June of 1981.

Links to the rest of the Website for the Town of Niagara Historical Society

Town of Niagara Historical Society Home Page        A Virtual Tour of the Niagara School No.2 Museum

Upcoming Events and Contacting our Organization        Application for Membership      A Class Photo

Historical Societies of the Towns of Niagara County Main Page