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Niagara County Historical Society sites Join Smithsonian Magazine's 12th annual 'Museum Day Live!'

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Thu, Sep 15th 2016 07:00 am

Free admission Sept. 24 with a downloadable ticket

The Niagara History Center and Erie Canal Discovery Center will open their doors free of charge on Saturday, Sept. 24, as part of Smithsonian magazine's 12th annual "Museum Day Live!" On this day only, participating museums across the U.S. emulate the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution's Washington, D.C.-based facilities, which offer free admission every day, and open their doors for free to those who download a ticket.

Inclusive by design, the event represents Smithsonian's commitment to make learning and the spread of knowledge accessible to everyone. Last year's event drew over 400,000 participants, and this year's event is expected to attract more museumgoers than ever before.

Niagara History Center's museum complex (215 Niagara St.) and the Erie Canal Discovery Center (24 Church St.), both in Lockport, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on this date. The five-building Niagara Street site includes the Outwater House (1863), Kandt House (1880), Pioneer/Transportation Building (1900), Washington Hunt Law Office (1835) and reproduction 19th century Yates Barn.

The Erie Canal Discovery Center opened in 2005 as an interactive multimedia facility devoted to the history of the Erie Canal, particularly the building of the Flight of Five locks at Lockport. It is home of Raphael Beck's mural "The Opening of the Erie Canal," and the Charles Rand Penney Gallery.

" 'Museum Day Live!' offers a perfect opportunity to visit our two sites free of charge. We invite new and old friends to see all we have to offer as we present the history of Niagara County, the City of Lockport and the Erie Canal,' said Melissa Dunlap, executive director of the Niagara County Historical Society.

The "Museum Day Live!" ticket is available for download at Smithsonian.com/museumday. Visitors who present the ticket will gain free entrance for two at participating venues on Sept. 24. One ticket, per household, per email address is permitted. For more information about "Museum Day Live!" 2016, and a full list of participating museums and cultural institutions, visit Smithsonian.com/museumday.

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