To mark the grand opening of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, the board of directors and staff will host three events to introduce the community to the location. The debut weekend will include an opening night celebration on Friday, May 4 (4-9 p.m.), an opening gala on Saturday, May 5 (starting at 5:30 p.m.), and a free community day on Sunday, May 6 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
The weekend will include performances by internationally renowned jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, the Colored Musicians Club's George Scott Big Band, singer songwriter Drea d'Nur, and the Buffalo Brass Machine, and a keynote address by Alan Spears, cultural resources director at the National Parks Conservation Association. All events take place in the Heritage Center and Amtrak building, 825 Depot Ave. W., Niagara Falls.
More than a decade in the making, the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is an experiential museum that reveals authentic stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists in Niagara Falls. It aims to inspire visitors to recognize modern injustices that stem from slavery, and to take action toward an equitable society.
The opening night celebration, at $20 per person, includes a self-guided walk through the museum, live music from Buffalo Brass Machine and Gordon, wine and beer from local businesses, and small bites.
Buy tickets here. The opening gala, priced at $75 per ticket, features a seated dinner and program, including keynote speaker Spears, and a musical performance by d'Nur.
Buy tickets here. Sunday's "Community Day" is a free event, however, timed exhibition tickets need to be reserved online in advance. Capacity is limited, but organizers invite the public to join for festivities beyond seeing the exhibition.
Free timed exhibition tickets can be reserved here.
On this day, guests will get a chance to take a quick walk-through of the exhibition and enjoy music performances by Colored Musicians Club, George Scott Big Band and other entertainment, and learn about community partners and other organizations working to shape the future of Niagara Falls.
