Current Classes

This program, under the guidance of the US Navy, taught women Naval jobs stateside so men could be relieved of desk duty and enter the combat zones. This presentation will give an overview of the WAVES program and take you through the lives of two women who kept detailed scrapbooks.

No other street, within Buffalo’s city limits, can boast a history as rich and diverse as Buffum Street. It has the remains of a Native American burial ground, the lore of the Underground Railroad and one of the most extant historic houses still standing in Buffalo. All of Buffum Street’s secrets will be revealed as we revisit some of Buffalo’s earliest history

Have you ever wondered why a photo was honored with the Pulitzer Prize? Take a step back in history and learn about the people in the photograph and the person who took the picture.

We’ll discuss the ins and outs of basic estate planning, advance directives and protection of assets including avoidance of costly and time-consuming legal proceedings upon death and preservation of assets.

Retired Buffalo Radio news journalist John Zach, author of The Train Man, Western New York’s most successful locally published book, will take you on a captivating trip through the decades when toy trains were America’s most fascinating toy. Meet other enthusiasts and collectors. Bring along your own stories and even your treasures to show to others. Everyone receives a giant Spoonley The Train Man poster showing the subject of John Zach’s book in his iconic shop in South Buffalo.

The American and Canadian governments created schools to take Indian children from their families, and strip them of their names, clothes, language and culture with tragic consequences. One such school was the Thomas Indian School in Western New York. This class will examine Indian boarding schools through the story of that school and its effect on Indian children and the Native community in New York.

Fill gaps in your family tree with historical church documents. Learn practical strategies for locating and accessing religious records from multiple denominations, whether they’re housed in physical archives or digital databases. Discover how these documents can provide crucial details about your ancestors’ lives and relationships.

Find out about the people who founded the cities, towns, villages and sections of WNY during the 1800s.

Estate administration- what to expect. A common theme among people I have helped over the years is disbelief over what estate administration is and the red tape involved. We will discuss what the current landscape in Erie County is, and things to consider in advance to reduce red tape and frustration for yourself or loved ones.

The effects of climate instability have presented new challenges for homeowners. Wetter summers, drier springs, extreme temperature swings have all impacted landowners. The right native plant or plants can help mitigate some of these challenges and thrive.

We’ll discuss the pros and cons of the various methods to transfer real estate assets to your heirs during your lifetime and at the time of your passing.

A former Mayor of Buffalo, an astute businessman, and Congressman, Mr. Spaulding, known as the author of the National Currency Act of 1862 which financed the Union cause during the Civil War and provided the foundation for the monetary system we use today.

Thomas F. Schobert, author of “Hush the Cannon’s Roar - The Life and Times of Bennet Riley: Defender of Buffalo”, will discuss the career and personal life of Major General Bennet C. Riley, who served in the U.S. Army for 40 years from the War of 1812 through the Mexican War and culminated with his serving as the last military governor of California during the famous “California Gold Rush”. In the early 1840s, Riley was a commanding officer of the Buffalo Barracks, an army post located on what is now the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site. The experience of Riley during his time here and his interactions with notable Buffalonians convinced him to return here after his military service was finished.

This workshop will explore the many resources to help you save money on your energy bill and increase the comfort and safety of your home. Come join us and get a free DIY energy savings kit!

The Erie County Parks system will turn 100 this year. From the oldest “Heritage Parks” to the more recent additions to the parks system, the county’s greenspaces are enjoyed by 1000s of county residents. Join County Historian Douglas Kohler for a virtual tour of our county parks system.