This museum is amazing. You can explore at your own pace the houses, a scool house and barber…read moreshop.The coolest part for me was the interaction with the beautiful animals here.They offer many interactive experiences and festivals throughout the year.The Scottish festival is very popular.I really enjoyed my time here exploring.Theres so much to see, do and experience it's a fun day for families or to just visit alone.Plus free parking on the premises.

With plenty of free parking this museum is a must to come out and visit.It hosts many festivals…read morelike the Scottish festival which brings in lots of people.Evrything here is self guided and I really enjoyed exploring the grounds, homes, school house and the cute animals that just come up to you.Lots to do here, great for family fun day.So come out and enjoy, you'll go home learning a lot and will not be disappointed .

A lovely little place, that seems like it needs a little bit of TLC itself…read more This year, as a Yelp resolution, I've vowed to visit at least one historical museum or site a month, so let's get started! The Williamsville Historical Society Museum is located within the Williamsville Meeting House (for all intents and purposes, they share a name) on the upper floor of the building. The building was originally constructed as a church for The Disciples of Jesus Christ back in 1835 - later acquired by the Lutherans in 1871, completed and improved. The building eventually fell to some disarray in 1948, in which the bell tower was removed, and by 1976 the congregation (then practically disbanded) sold the building to the village for $1. This was when the Historical Society came into possession of the building, renovating it into an awesome museum space, as well as wedding/concert/meeting venue! The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, so it is definitely worth a visit! I was lucky enough to be driving down Main in the morning, spying a sign on the lawn that said 'Museum Open Sunday 1-3pm' so I naturally made it a part of my day to stop by. I'm not entirely sure if they're open every Sunday, or if they even have set hours, so it's definitely worth looking in to. The museum itself, like I said before, could definitely use some TLC. The museum is on the top floor of the building, and is filled with all sorts of really cool artifacts, but could benefit from some organization. It seemed more like an archive to me, than a museum. There were dozens of really cool articles to read, blurbs paired with artifacts both found and donated. The way some things were displayed seemed a bit juvenile, pinned to foam boards and propped against walls, but some of the other displays were nice (like the cases, the bottles, uniforms, maps). A lot of the things here were actually really interesting and cool to read, informative in the sense that I had honestly never known some of the real history behind the buildings I pass by every single day. It was cool to see photographs of these places when they were first built! When I arrived here, it seemed like there were some people from the Historical Society having a meeting...which I have no problem with, of course, but I felt like I was intruding a little bit, so I didn't stay long. (Even though the 'Museum Open' sign was out front? Cue my awkwardness.) I would definitely be eager to return again and take the time to read through everything that can be found here. Going to cross my fingers that I see the sign again!

Really well done. A lot to see and some amazing examples of the craftsmanship of the early 20th…read morecentury. It's hard to believe that this community was almost lost to history.

If you are the Arts and Crafts fan this is the place where you will see how it all started and how…read moreit developed. I was impressed that hundreds of workers were employed, worked normal hours and where they had decent working conditions and many activities organized that added quality to their life. This is the last decade of the 19th century when Homestead and Pullman Strike massacres happened.... Not my cup of tea but I appreciated the importance of the site.

Very big local history museum! We stopped in this weekend and even though they're in the process of…read morepacking up to move to their new location next month, they still had a lot on display. Lots going on here, covering local industrial history (focus on lumber, Wurlitzer, boating, etc), school, church, Boy Scout history, green stamps history, local connections to military history, theatre history, and more! They also had binders of information for you to look at on your pace, as well as a reference library (by appointment only). There are lots of signs that say not to touch, not to lean on glass, and reminders that you're on camera- but sometimes they'll be stuff out right next to the "don't touch" signs that look like you are supposed to pick them up (like folders of information), so it was kinda confusing. The museum needs some more love and funding, many of the cases and shelving were old, and there were even fish tanks being used to enclose items. I hope that once they move to their new location next month that the displays will be modernized. Looking forward to visiting the new location once it opens!

This is such a fun place to visit. You will enjoy it whether you are 8 or 80! And it is all free!…read more The parking lot is huge, but if you have someone with mobility difficulty, make sure you drop them off, because once you get in you will need to do a bit of walking as well. When you enter the building, you get lanyards and can visit a station to register. When you register, it takes your picture and tracks the various activities you do throughout the exhibits. You don't have to do this, but it is a fun step to see the results of your various activities and pictures at the end. You proceed down a long walkway with amazing views of the Niagara River and Lewiston Queenston Bridge. During December, they have a festival of trees which line the hallway with trees decorated by local organizations. It was a fun touch! There are a variety of information panels along the way. When you enter the main area, you proceed down the escalator (or elevator) to the main exhibit area. There is a movie about the power authority (and power in general) that I recommend starting off with. There is also a fun 4d simulator ride! If there isn't a staff person at the ride, you can go to the information desk and ask someone and they will get you in. There are interactive sections where you work through a variety of situations (like working to keep and restore power to a fictional town). There is also a cool cave like walk through that talks about the geology of the gorge area. We spent about two hours here because my kids were insistent on doing every activity. But you could spend less time if there wasn't as much interest. A highlight was the literal hair raising Van De Graff generator. Staff walk you through the safety protocol and then you get to experience your hair standing straight up! It was really a fun touch. You can go out on the balcony area for some stunning views or a quick break from the action. I also learned that they host birthday parties or other gatherings here. What a unique idea! If you want to learn more about electricity or are just looking for something unique to do, this is a great place to visit.

We have a family tradition to stop at the Power Vista and see the Christmas trees at Christmas…read moretime. The long hallway going over the Niagara Scenic Parkway, that you have to walk to get to the power vista fun exhibits, is lined with Christmas trees decorated by local organizations like the girl scouts, people Inc., etc.. It's fun to see how they choose to decorate incorporating their organizations purpose. It's different every year. Many handmade ornaments showcasing the talents of individuals, many who benefit from the organization. I always get a few new ideas to use by seeing their creativity. Plus you can still so the rest of the power vista fun things like the simulator ride. Free admission, free parking....what more could you want?

Let's focus on what's important here. Millard Fillmore was the hottest President in our history…read more Tall, handsome, and single between 1853-1858, he even made European royalty swoon. But, okay, he has some pretty decent accomplishments in American history that cements him as an influential figure in the shaping of Buffalo and our nation. The Millard Fillmore house is an absolute must-visit when it comes to local history, and certainly to state-wide history too! This is certainly a hidden gem of whatever reason, overshadowed I feel by the Roycroft campus just around the corner...but I am so glad to have had the chance to tour this historic home. I don't want to spoil any of the history of the house or its inhabitants here, so I won't. Seriously, take some time to visit this house! The museum is tour-guided, running on Wednesdays and weekends every half hour from 1-3pm. $10 for visitors, with discounts for seniors/children/etc. They take cash or card. No pictures allowed inside of the house, but photos of the exterior & gardens are cool! It was really cool to see all of the artifacts here, many pieces being genuinely owned by Fillmore throughout his lifetime. (They even have a lock of his hair on display!) If you're a bit of a history nut like me, a lot of what you'll find in this museum will be pretty common knowledge. I did find it really cool to learn the history of the house through its ownership, a bit more about Fillmore's personal life in Buffalo that I hadn't known before, and his accomplishments throughout and after his presidency. The docents were very knowledgeable, friendly, and had answers for every question I asked! I would honestly love to return here with friends, or would enjoy bringing someone from out of town to this amazing gem. It does my heart good to know how much love and appreciation this place has gotten from East Aurora - so thank you, for giving me such a wonderful experience in the process!

This site (although small) is packed with historic artifacts from the Fillmores and the Prices (of…read moreFisher Price toy fame). You'll find actual china, era posters (Currier and Ives), and even books hand signed by Millard Fillmore. But that's not the best part. The best part is far and away the guides. They truly care and are passionate about "their President" and in spreading true information about this often forgotten U.S. President. I gained new knowledge and even a broader perspective of who he was, how he was raised, how he climbed the political ladder as well as the good, the bad, and the ugly. The guides are fun and engaging and went above and beyond to answer all questions as well as give us extra suggestions for nearby sites (both in East Aurora and Buffalo) to visit to enhance our understanding of Millard Fillmore. If you want to understand presidential history and the events leading up to the Civil War, this stop is a must. Give Kathy a call and let her guide you through the life of our 13th President.

Who doesn't love a carousel? This was a great addition to Canalside. And for only $1 a ride, it's…read morealso a great bargain. The music brings back childhood memories of going to amusement parks with my parents. Plus, it's solar powered! That kind of amazes me since after all, we are in Buffalo. Fun for all ages. 2023-52

Carousel rides were $3 per child. The staff was so amazing and you can tell they take pride in…read moretheir work and of this historical venue. The animals are beautifully made. They have an organ that plays music as you ride.. so lovely! The ride lasts for a good amount of time. Highly recommend if you are in the area!

Wow! Every room in this house offers something unique to look at!…read more The Orchard Park Historical Society maintains the museum and offers guided tours of the house. Admission was free when we visited but donations are also accepted. When we visited, everyone was friendly, and shared interesting information as we were guided through the house. The house was built in 1870 and belonged to Doctor Jolls, his wife, and housekeeper. Then later was acquired by the Town and repurposed prior to becoming a museum. Doctor Jolls' medical office is still in tact, and feels like you have stepped back in time! It contains many interesting medical instruments. Dr. Jolls was also inducted as an honorary member of the Wolf Clan, Seneca Tribe, as a consulting physician. In the other rooms of the house, there are several exhibits including: a vintage kitchen, Native American artifacts, a toy room, antique bedrooms, and more. The museum is well organized and the staff members are friendly and knowledgeable. This museum is a must-see! Check their Facebook page for their open hours.