Twin Cities Heritage Center
The building at 113 Main Street in Tonawanda was built in 1886. It has served as a railroad station, American Legion post, temporary school and public library, and while still owned by the City of Tonawanda, it is operated as a museum by the Historical Society of the Tonawandas.
On the grounds surrounding the Heritage Center is a 1925 monument honoring local veterans of the Civil War and a garden containing stone markers dedicated to World War I veterans.
Closed in 2022 to add a new restroom and second entrance, the Board of Trustees decided that the building shouldn’t be reopened without some sprucing up with fresh paint and refinished floors.
The transformation to the Heritage Center was unveiled on September 12, 2025 on the 60th Anniversary of our original opening with brand new media displays, interactive screens, photographs, and artifacts to give patrons a fascinating learning experience.
As the New York Central Railroad Station
Built in 1886, this building served as Tonawanda’s station for the New York Central Railroad until dangerous conditions led to the tracks being diverted away from city streets in 1922.
As the Tonawanda Public Library
After the closing of the railroad station, the Tonawanda Public Library was housed at 113 Main until 1965 when it was relocated to a new building further down Main Street.
As the Society Museum and Heritage Center
The Historical Society leases the building from the City, and on September 12, 1965, opened the doors of its museum. It has been the home of the Society since then.