History Center of Niagara's children's summer programs are back for 2021

The History Center of Niagara will once again host summer children’s programs. Events will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, July 21 and Aug. 18, for children ages 7 through 12. Two of the History Center’s most popular programs will be offered, with a theme of “Fire and Water.”

On July 21, the “History of Firefighting” will offer children the opportunity to learn about and participate in firefighting methods of both the past and the present. Activities include an old-fashioned bucket brigade, a relay race to gather materials needed to put out a fire in the 19th century, and a visit from a member of the Lockport Fire Department to discuss and display equipment used by modern firefighters to extinguish blazes. Each child will “make and take” a miniature fire hydrant in honor of Birdsall Holly, the Lockport inventor who developed a fire suppression system in the 1860s using hydrants and pressurized water.

On Aug. 18, children will take “A Trip on the Titanic.” Participants will be given a ticket upon arrival with the name, age, country of origin and class accommodation (first, second, third or crew) of an actual passenger. They will learn details about the ocean liner, how it was divided by class status, and how each class lived on the ship. The passengers can then experience some shipboard activities including early 20th century games, creating a souvenir postcard, making a Morse code device and sending an SOS signal. At the end of the program, the fate of each passenger will be revealed.

The History Center monitors CDC and state COVID-19 guidelines and will adjust requirements to meet conditions on the days of the programs. Space is limited to 16 children per program. Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes will be available, and children will be asked bring a mask. Snacks are store-bought and individually wrapped. Each child will get bottled water.

All programs take place at the History Center, 215 Niagara St., Lockport. The fee is $20 per child with a $5 coupon available in the Town of Lockport summer newsletter. Reservations are required. Call 716-434-7433 or email [email protected] for information, registration or COVID-19 concerns.