Who We Are

In September 1960, a group of individuals signed the Articles of Incorporation and a few months later, on February 24, 1961, thirty-two members received a provisional charter from New York State designating it as the Historical Society for the Tonawandas. The first Board of Trustees was named at that time. The group subsequently obtained an absolute charter from the State’s Education Department. The Erie Canal that separates the two cities forever links them with a bond of shared heritage. The Twin Cities of North Tonawanda and Tonawanda are located along a commercially significant route at the western terminus of the Erie Canal and the eastern terminus of the Great Lakes trade route.

Many talented and dedicated volunteers manage our three locations in the City of Tonawanda. Our volunteers perform archival tasks and maintain the inventory of our vast collection stored in the Research Center. They provide research assistance and historical information to visitors on a large variety of local subjects. Volunteers write and publish a monthly newsletter and present monthly programs on an array of historical topics.

Volunteers hold Victorian teas at the Long Homestead and provide docent-led tours during the summer and holiday season.

Volunteers produce the popular Warrior Walks from June through August, maintain displays at various Heritage Partner sites throughout the Twin Cities, and have transformed our museum in the old New York Central train station on Main Street into the Twin Cities Heritage Center.