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The Erie Canal Discovery Center and Niagara History Center are seeking nominees for the 12th annual "Key to the Locks" award. This yearly honor recognizes a Niagara County citizen who exemplifies the community spirit or promotes the heritage or preservation of the historic Erie Canal. The 2017 "Key to the Locks" will be presented at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Erie Canal Discovery Center, 24 Church St.
To recommend a recipient, stop by the Niagara History Center, 215 Niagara St., Lockport, for a nomination form. One can also visit the History Center's website at http://niagarahistory.org/contest-information/ for a copy of the form. Mail or bring completed nominations to the History Center.
The deadline for 2017 nominations is March 10. All nominations come from the public and will be reviewed by a selection committee.
The 2016 "Key to the Locks" award was given to Joel Beyer for his work supporting canal education and preservation. Other previous winners have included: Dianne Koplas, for encouraging historical education and tourism; Rosemary Bernard, for her continuing support and promotion of Erie Canal history as a librarian at the Royalton Hartland Community Library; Carol Schmelz, for her work in establishing the Canalway Trail through Pendleton; artist Joe Whalen, for a lifetime of showcasing the canal through his paintings; Jeffery Degnan, for his work in promoting the Erie Canalway Corridor, and Jane Whitmore, for beautification work along the historic Lockport locks.
For further information, contact Ray at 716-434-7433.
The History Center receives grant assistance from the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.