temporary exhibit spaces have soft LED track lighting which seems to highlight the items on display rather than overpower them. Initially, the cost of the We hope you had a chance to visit Body track lighting was built into the overall Beautiful one last time before it was taken budget for the exhibit but, as a museum down at the beginand non-profit, we are ning of February! The nothing if not practical exhibit space is being and budget conscious! prepped for installaWe knew we already tion of BNHV’s newest had countless tracks exhibit, Vice and Virtue: and fixtures in place in The Rise and Fall of our Main Room which Prohibition. This new are hardly ever used so exhibit will explore how it was decided to reuse the 18th Amendment those tracks and fixtures sought to bring on an (not to mention the age of temperance and incredibly expensive LED virtue but instead rebulbs already in those sulted in an increase in excess, indulgence, fixtures) and install everything in the and vice as Americans began to test the exhibit space. limits of one of the most unpopular pieces So with new lighting now installed, work of legislature in American history. Mark is progressing on painting the existing your calendars for the exhibit opening on walls, building necessary exhibit cases Friday, April 24th from 6PM to 9PM. and mounts, constructing a replica speakOne of the largest improvements to this easy, and continued research and drafting space in preparation for the new exhibit of labels. We apologize in advance for the was updating the existing lighting. There noise and paint fumes you may encounwere rows upon rows of fluorescent lights ter on your visits to the museum but, in beating down on visitors and artifacts alike return for your patience and tolerance, and it always seemed like the lighting was we promise to have a top notch exhibit in too harsh for the space. Many of our other store for you at the end of April! New Exhibit to Open on April 24th! Lecture Series mediums used by these artists. The lecture was held in the village’s 1854 Lutheran Church which features windows made by the Frohe Art Glass Company c. 1870. The setting was perfect to highlight the craftsmanship, artistry, and scale of the pieces created by the master stained glass artists of the Buffalo region. In January BNHV kicked-off its 2015 Lecture Series aimed at increasing educational programming for adults at the museum. The 2015 Lecture Series will feature local presenters and will cover a large range of topics from stained glass to woman’s rights In honor of Women’s History Month, to organ grinding. The goal is to offer a variety of historical and cultural topics that we continued with our 2015 Lecture Series by welcoming Denise Reichard, will appeal to a large audience. portraying one of the founders of the The first lecture was January 22nd featur- Women’s Rights Movement, for a special ing Buffalo’s own stained glass guru Greg presentation of “Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Witul. Mr. Witul reached national acclaim Remarkable Suffragette”. Stanton was after his 2007 discovery of the missing instrumental in the writing of the “Declastained glass Maria Curie Medallion and ration of Sentiments,” at the Seneca Falls coordinated its return to the University Convention in July 1848 as a call to arms at Buffalo. Since then Witul has written a for female equality. She, along with Susan book on the stained glass of Corpus Christi B. Anthony, founded the National Woman Church in Buffalo and authored a number Suffrage Association (NWSA) in 1869. of scholarly articles on the medium. The Elizabeth Cady Stanton was president of lecture was a colorful history of stained the NWSA from 1869 until 1890. Denise glass in Western New York. He delved Reichard, a public speaker and performer into the major players in the stained glass who recreates the lives of great women world as well as the different styles and of history, researches and gathers all of Interested in Volunteering? Join us for a fun and fulfilling volunteer experience! In preparation for a wonderful special events season, we have tabulated our special events volunteer needs – and the need is large! We are looking for volunteers to work the following events: German Sommerfest (June 20th), Scottish Festival (August 15th), Halloween Trick or Treat (October 23rd and 24th), Breakfast with Santa (December 6th), and the Holiday Tea (December 13th). To make these events as grand as our attendees deserve, we need your help! If you are interested in participating in our special events in a volunteer capacity, please get in touch with Volunteer Coordinator, Rachel Ravago, at [email protected] or 716-6891440 as soon as possible to secure your desired volunteer station and time slot. As a show of our appreciation, volunteers receive complimentary refreshments and admission to the special event following their volunteer service for the day. Have an idea for a volunteer project you would like to participate in? Contact Rachel today to chat about how you can become involved! the information she uses about each historical portrayal and writes a story that reflects the unique life. Each tale reveals many historical accounts using vivid details and authentic material. All this takes shape in a 35 minute performance presented in characterization and costume. She then breaks from character for the remainder of the presentation to take questions from her audience and to facilitate a discussion regarding the character she is portraying and the topics she touches on. Next up: 150th Anniversary of the Surrender at Appomattox Court House with musical prelude by the Union Volunteers Fife and Drum Corps April 9 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Organ Grinding with Dan Wilke May 7 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm *Check our website and Facebook page as the 2015 Lecture Series will be returning in the Fall. NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE Watch for tioGnOoInNG rm foE inW ’RaE our returning reenactments! PAID GETZVILLE, NY PERMIT NO. 7 GREEN! 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road Amherst, NY 14228-1599 Member’s Corner We are striving to go green and cut our costs! Would you like to receive your newsletter digitally? E C I VO VILLAGE April 9th 7:00pm-8:30pm 150th Anniversary of the Surrender at Appomattox Court House THANK YOU! April 16th 6:30pm-8:00pm Weavers Guild of Buffalo Special Lecture Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village Leadership REGENTS BOARD OF TRUSTEES Karen Vilonen, President Paul Bowers, Vice President David Mischler, Treasurer Beth Roehling-Flynn, Secretary TRUSTEES Sharon Daniels Dawn Hutsebaut Carol Pyne Janet Reilly Michael Meinzer Kristin Anderson Jane Stoddard Michael J. Tyrpak ADVISORY COUNCIL Hon. Geoffrey Klein Mary Maiorano David Sherman Diane Wojtowicz Richard Wojtowicz Sarah Anderson, Ph. D. Joseph Grande, Ph. D. Jim Nesper, Esq. Karen Eckert David Flynn, Esq. Katherine Hewlings Phyllis Hanlon Erik Ticen April 17th-18th 10:00am-5:00pm Weavers Guild of Buffalo Special Workshop April 23rd 7:00pm-9:00pm BNHV Book Club Meeting Niederlander Research Library at BNHV TRUSTEE EMERITUS Susan Grelick Dolores Sapienza Pat Lucey Patricia Lucey Phillip Thielman, Esq. April 24th 6:00pm-9:00pm Exhibit Opening- Vice and Virtue: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition STAFF Herbert Schmidt, Executive Director Spencer Morgan, Director of Development & Marketing Kayla Shypski, Curator of Collections Chelsea Giannantonio, Events Coordinator Kathy Slade, Education Coordinator Tim Lewis, Maintenance Supervisor Lee Leiser, Maintenance Scott Schotz, Historic Buildings & Grounds Manager Andrew Donohue, Staff Accountant Rachel Ravago, Guest Services Coordinator May 7th 7:00pm-8:30pm Organ Grinding with Dan Wilke May 16th 1:00pm-4:00pm BTS Tour: A Window in Time May 30th 1:00pm-3:00pm BTS Tour: Historic Woodworking June 6th-7th 8:30pm-4:30pm Lace Seminar June 6th 12:00pm-4:30pm FREE Preview Day: Planting in the Village & Volunteer Open House Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is gratefully supported in part by funds received from the Town of Amherst and Erie County. Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is a 501-c3, not-for-profit institution. Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village | 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road | Amherst, NY 14228 | P: 716-689-1440 May 2nd 11:00m-2:00pm Kentucky Derby Luncheon & Spring Hat Contest June 13th 1:00pm-4:00pm BTS: 19th Century Photography June 20th 11:00am-6:00pm German Sommerfest June 27th 10:00am-4:30pm WNY Civil War Symposium bnhv.org Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village | 3755 Iss. II; Vol. 4 as other non-profit organizations, simply want to give. Local companies are interested in helping, but also want to increase their presence in our community. Upcoming Events Please send an email to [email protected]. Spring 2015 Adopt-A-House This past August, Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village unveiled our latest development campaign called the Adopt-a-House Program. This program is designed to diversify our funding while also providing financial support for the museum’s 11 historic buildings. The Adopt-aHouse Program is similar to an undertaking that was launched during the years when the organization was the Amherst Museum. Now, the program has a 5-year pledge design which makes adopting one of our historic dwellings or commercial buildings affordable for any budget. We believe that creating partnerships with local community institutions and corporations will help our own organization grow and evolve towards self-sufficiency. Making our program affordable for local groups and businesses not only increases our organization’s financial goals, but also allows for more community collaborations and partnerships. The Adopt-a-House Program is modeled after other sponsorship opportunities throughout the museum industry. It is a very simple process where our Development team creates a benefit package based on the needs and wants of prospective sponsors. Some sponsors, such We are happy to have secured two sponsors thus far: Amherst Women’s Interclub Council and Erie and Niagara Insurance Association. Each year, Amherst Women’s Interclub Council hosts a luncheon and raffle at Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village. All of the proceeds benefit the museum’s Sweet Home School House. This year, Amherst Women’s Interclub Council is hosting the 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Luncheon and Spring Hat Contest in the museum’s ball room from 11:00am to 2:00pm on Derby Day (Saturday, May 2nd, 2015). Money raised at this event will go directly to the Adopt-a-House Program and directly support the Sweet Home School House. Last year, we were also able to reach out to a local company who shares a significant history with one of our houses. Although sharing a past with one of our buildings is not a prerequisite in our adoption process, creating a unique, mutually beneficial adoption package is. Our first corporate sponsor taking part in our new Adopt-a-House Program is Erie and Niagara Insurance Association, located at 8800 Sheridan Drive in Williamsville, NY. Erie and Niagara Insurance Association is a carrier that offers personal, farm, and business insurance. The company was founded in 1875 and now protects more than 75,000 policy holders. Each Building-of-the-Month will feature an adoption notice based on their current adoption status. We will also begin to feature our The company was founded by none other Building-of-the-Month in our monthly email. than George Hoover. He and his family lived Be sure to email Spencer Morgan at smorin the Hoover House, now on the grounds of [email protected] to be added to our listserv Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village. and stay up to date with our programs and We have also launched a Building-of-theevents! Month marketing campaign to promote the program. Each month you will notice that one of our historic buildings will be featured in the art and décor of our social media pages. In addition to our normal social media advertising, some posts will directly relate to the Building-of-the-Month. March’s Building-of-the-Month was the Barbershop. Our Development and Marketing teams have painstakingly assigned each of our 11 In addition to our Adopt-a-House Program, historic buildings to their perspective month, we offer other sponsorship opportunities and we will announce which building will be inside our Shaw Exhibit Building through our focus at the beginning of each month via our Adopt-an-Exhibit Program. This proour social media sites. If you do not already gram, similar to our Adopt-a-House Program follow us digitally, you can find our Buildingenables affordable one-time donations or of-the-Month featured at www.facebook. multi-year pledges which support our exhibit com/BNHVillage, www.twitter.com/BNHVilspace. Your organization or company can lage, and instagram.com/BNHeritageVillage. adopt permanent exhibits like one of our Adopt-A-House (cnt’d) Members of the Amherst Womens Interclub Council and BNHV Executive Director unveiling updates made to the Sweet Home School House this past September. Street of Shops or Erie Canal facades. When new and/or temporary exhibits are announced, opportunities to support these experiences will also be available. Thank you to the Amherst Women’s Interclub Council and Erie and Niagara Insurance Association’s support. We are happy to have secured two annual sponsors for our Adopt-a-House Program. However, Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village still has nine historic buildings up for adoption. If you are part of a local organization or represent a business or corporation who has the philanthropic or marketing resources to sustain an annual donation for 5 years, and are interested in pledging your support of Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village’s historic buildings, please contact our Director of Development and Marketing, Spencer Morgan, at (716) 6891440 ext. 7712, or via email at smorgan@ bnhv.org. We can design a package that is both affordable and mutually beneficial, and will increase your group or company’s philanthropic needs and meet your marketing goals through our Adopt-a-House Program or our Adopt-an-Exhibit Program. The Barbershop was featured as the first Building-of-theMonth on BNHV’s social media in March. The Barbershop is still up for adoption! Kentucky Derby Luncheon Join us Saturday, May 2nd at 11AM for our Kentucky Derby Spring Hat Contest & Luncheon, presented by the Amherst Women’s Interclub Council. The event will be filled with all things derby and feature a hat contest, basket raffle and delicious derby-themed luncheon. All are invited to attend, donning their best hat as awards are presented to Woman of the Year: Joan Fishburn, and Organization of the Year: the Williamsville Business Association! Reservations are $30 per guest and can be made via phone or online at: 716-689-1440 or www. bnhv.org/events/derby. Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village | 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road | Amherst, NY 14228 | P: 716-689-1440 WNY Civil War Symposium On June 27th we are premiering our first regimental symposium featuring the 49th New York State Volunteer Regiment. BNHV will display regimental artifacts and photos, as well as living history of the regiment itself. Our goal is to educate the public on the sacrifice and history of local regiments that fought in the Civil War, as well as honoring the fathers, brothers and sons that preserved the Union. New York State contributed more men than any other state in the Union during the war, and many men were our decedents from Western New York. Please join BNHV in honoring the regiment called “First Buffalo’s Regiment”. The following is a letter transcript from Fred Barger (49th NY) to his sister…. “Camp Griffin, VA March 9, 1862 Sunday afternoon Dear Sister, I received yours and mothers letters night before last and was very glad to hear from you. You will see that we are still in Camp Griffin but I do not know how long we shall stay here. Last Thursday at one o’clock in the morning we were formed in line and marched to Erwinsville (?) where we were joined by the 3rd Vermont and about 150 Cavalry then proceeded to Vienna where we arrived about 7 o’clock we then stopped for breakfast as the march of about 10 or 11 miles had given us quite an appetite. We stayed there about an hour and then started on toward Secech. We went about two or three mile from Vienna and our Company were deployed as Skirmishers in front of the whole force we scoured two small pieces of woods and halted on an open field when our Cavalry went on and surrounded two horses that were in sight. There was a few of the Rebels there (Cavalry) but they put spurs to their horses and were soon out of sight. A Bugler belonging to the 2d US Regulars Cavalry chased one fellow that seemed to separate from the rest and went a little too far and the chap turned on him and fired his revolver. The Bugler fired back until the six shots which his revolver contained were gone and then the fellow sent a ball near enough to graze his thumb and make him drop his rovolver and turn his horse and run for home - he lost his cap and Pistol by the means. When the shots were fired we immediately heard drums beat on the right and left and in front of us and distinctly heard the “long roll”. So if we did not hurt them we scared them some. Gen Davidson after reconnoitering concluded that they had a pretty strong force there and did not think it expedient to attack them with our two Regiments we had no artillery with us this time. I should not be surprised if we go out there soon with force enough to make an attack but cannot tell. we were called in about 2 o’clock and marched back to Vienna where we stayed about 2 hours - we expected to Fred Barger – seated (photo) Mortimer Laverne Tyler - standing 49th New York Volunteer Infantry stay there until the next morning but the General thought it best to come back. he complimented our Company highly on our Skirmishing. I do not think that 30 long miles would more than cover our march that day - we were not much used up on coming into camp at 7 o’clock that night. oh no! - therefore the next day the General took us over to Division Head Quarters and gave us a Brigade Drill - (such as you read of) told Captain Drake to “trot” that Company out and “deploy them as Skirmishers on the right file” to cover the Battalion which was accordingly done although the mud was about a foot deep and the left of the company had to “trot” about half a mile - we had no sooner got there than the order was to “assemble on the right file” and back again - as Gen Davidson was a short time since a Cavalry Major. he may be excusable for thinking that a poor “snoger” [?] can “trot” “gallop” or “run” like a Cavalry horse through the mud day after day. this I think, is his only trouble. he thinks that we should get around as fast as horses and consequently is somewhat disappointed. he compliments our Regiment quite highly - he has ordered that our Co (“G”) and Co “K” of our Regiment be drilled five hours a day exclusively in Skirmish drill and target shooting. we are excused from Picket. (Bully for us) Division Central or Camp Guard, Fatigue - or any other duty in order to perfect ourselves in the Skirmishing - and target practice. we are the best in the Regiment now but can still improve. our co can beat the best shooting. I am getting to be a tolerable good shot myself at two hunred yards I put two shots out of three in the target. (about 18 inches by 30) Yesterday they were shooting 400 yard but I was over to the 21st. where I saw the Sheldon boys - Capt Layton and his wife and some others that I know. I had a very pleasant time. I heard through her from that Mip White (?) that you saw at Mr Page’s when you were in Buffalo. This is a great place for Ladies I heard from Ed Stevens (?) the same day I got your letter but have not written to him yet as I have no means of paying Postage which is the reason I do not write some other letters. I have not seen or heard anything of the Skinners. I wrote to Ed the night I got your letter but have not heard from him yet - I think it strange - but he may be waiting to come over. I cannot possible get over there as we are under marching orders all of the time - I think it is settled that we get no pay until the 15th of April which is only two weeks from another pay-day unless they hold off as long as they do on this. I have only got one cent and although I very much dislike to ask for money I should be very glad if you could send me a dollar or so - to Keep up until I get some pay - when I shall send home $20 and I hope more the next time. Please write some - I have nothing new or interesting so I must stop As ever Your affectionate brother Fred Send me a paper or two We were farther advanced the other day than any Infantry troops have been since the Battle of Bull Run .” Fred C. Barger was born in Westfield, NY, 1842 and served in the United States Army from 1861-1864 as Sergeant and Lieutenant 49th Reg’t NY Vols. Barger lost his right hand in in the battle of Fredericksburg, Va. in 1862. Behing-the-Scenes Tours We have several upcoming Behind-the-Scenes Tours scheduled for the spring. Proceeds from these tours directly benefit the preservation and conservation of our collection and artifacts. On May 16th from 1PM to 4PM, join us in welcoming Steve Swiat of Northwood Window Restoration in Getzville, NY. Northwood Window Restoration specializes in the restoration of wood windows, doors and millwork for historic homes and buildings. Learn the most practical and economical methods of maintenance and repair of older and historic wooden windows. Ever wonder how windows were originally constructed, why some last for centuries and others rot and fall apart after just a few years? Learn specific treatments for common window problems, traditional woodwork methods and the latest in modern high-tech materials and techniques. Cost is $30 for non-members and $25 for members. On May 30th from 1PM to 3PM, come learn about the nuts and bolts of building historic structures From the Director As I ponder my first anniversary here at BNHV I am struck by all of the wonderful people I have met and all that we have accomplished in such a short amount of time. The plan is in place. What a season we have in store for you! I look forward to seeing you at our many special events, and programs this Spring and Summer. Tell your friends and family that they do not want to miss out on all the opportunities as we bring you more history, education and excitement than ever before. The future is bright, but we need you to be a part of our success! Come and visit regularly, become a volunteer, and spread the word! I would also like to share information regarding an organization that you may not know about. Several of our staff and board member are attending the annual useum Association of New York conference. MANY is active across the state creating ways for members to connect, learn and promote the importance of museums. Professional development is a key component of MANY’s service to New York’s museum and cultural organization community. They continually develop resources to support, promote and empower organizations in New York and beyond. One of these supporting opportunities is the MANY Annual Conference. It is the largest with the Village’s own woodworker, Scott Schotz! He will show you how logs are felled and hewn, how plank and log structures are built and much more. If you love woodworking and historic structures, you won’t want to miss this special tour! Cost is $20 for non-members and $15 for members. On June 13th from 1PM to 4PM, join us in this class, taught by Jenn Libby of Genesee Libby Studio, covering the basics of the wet-plate collodion process and how to create ambrotypes, an early type of photograph made by imaging a negative on glass backed by a dark surface. Instruction will cover how to cut and clean glass, pour collodion, sensitize and process plates, burnish and hand-color final images, apply a protective varnish and house your photographs to complete the process. Cost is $40 for non-members and $35 for members. All tours will include a look inside our state-of-theart collections storage building. Reservations are required in advance. Once your spot is reserved, refunds will not be available. Call to book your spot today! New York’s museum staff and board members, volunteers and friends. Several of us will be going. You are all welcome as well! Another support opportunity that is of particular interest to museums like BNHV is the Museums in Education Act. Throughout the 2014 NYS Museums in Action conference MANY had several opportunities to introduce the development of a Museum Education Act in New York State. Originally discussed in 2007, the Act will provide the financial support for museums and schools, across New York State, to create meaningful educational programs, facilitate teacher and student access to cultural institutions, and to strengthen the bond between New York State’s unparalleled cultural resources and its classrooms. This endeavor is the Museum Association’s key strategic priority! The future of museums in New York State has not been this positive in many years. From the Governor’s “Path Through History” campaign to our local efforts here in WNY, the opportunities are endless. Something I am particularly excited about is our farmstead project beginning this Spring. Come be a part of it by learning traditional construction techniques, planting crops, or if you can support our Pig Roast Farmstead Fundraiser on Friday July 17th. It will be a great way to have some tasty food while raising funds for structures and animals! Check out our website or call us for details. Rent the Village! Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is available for your special event! Weddings, showers, private parties, seminars and much more! Visit our 35-acre campus and treat your guests to a unique experience in our historic village. Utilize our Tea Room for a conference or create a special evening in our Banquet Room. Custom rental packages available! Contact: Chelsea Giannantonio, Events Coordinator 716-689-1440, ext. 7726 [email protected] Experience our Guilds! Want to learn something new? BNHV’s Guilds may offer what you’re looking for! Take a class, or come see them perform their crafts. Victorian Dance Maurine Beechler [email protected] Lace Guild Barbara Walsh [email protected] Joan Brash [email protected] Weavers Guild Peggy Kresovich poodlesbytheoodles@ yahoo.com Quilters Guild Mary Ann Krafft [email protected] Blacksmiths Peter Parry [email protected] bnhv.org
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