The Collection:

The Historical Society of the Tonawandas maintains a collection of over 20,000 artifacts relating to the history of the Twin Cities of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. The collection catalog is currently being transferred into a computer database to allow rapid identification and retrieval of artifacts of interest on any topic. In concert with the Society's mission, the collection includes artifacts relating both generally and specifically to local and regional history of the Twin Cities and the surrounding area, as well as the Erie Canal and Great Lakes commerce. Below are some of the major categories under which this collection is indexed:
  • Clothing and accessories
  • Advertising
  • Armaments
  • Art
  • Books
  • Building Components
  • Ceremonial artifacts
  • Communication tools
  • Documentary artifacts
  • Exchange medium
  • Food preparation and processing artifacts
  • Furniture and household accessories
  • Medical tools
  • Merchandizing tools
  • Personal gear
  • Personal symbols - pins, badges, trophies
  • Railroad accessories
  • Toys

Exhibits:

The Society maintains exhibits in both its own facilities as well as in a number of public venues through its Heritage Partnership Program:

At the Museum:

The Museum at 113 Main St, Tonawanda houses numerous semi-permanent and rotating exhibits covering our local history.

At the Long Homestead:

In addition to the 1830-1870-era home furnishings that adorn the Long Homestead, museum volunteers have regularly assembled temporary displays of Society artifacts and on-loan items over the past several seasons. These displays have included quilts, dolls, toys, dresses, and uniforms.

Heritage Partners:

In 2002, the Historical Society of the Tonawandas inaugurated its Heritage Partnership Program, which has enabled more and more artifacts from its extensive collection to be moved out of storage and into the community. Displays can be found at both the Tonawanda and North Tonawanda Public Libraries, Tonawanda City Hall, the Western New York Railroad Society Museum, Kibler Apartments, and several local businesses where Society artifacts have been incorporated into storefront window displays and interior décor. Additional Heritage Partners are always being sought.

Temporary Displays:

The Museum staff periodically assembles displays for exhibition at local and regional expos and fairs.