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I'm not sure how many people know the story of this building! It is the former US Customs House located on Whirlpool St. in Niagara Falls. It is currently being converted into the Underground Railroad Heritage Center which is located next to the new train station that just opened in the Falls.
Why is this significant you may ask??? Well it is the history of the building that is important to our family. The building was purchased by Uncle Mike and Uncle Bill (with the help and guidance of Uncle Dave) years and years ago (maybe Bill can tell us the year!!). They knew that this building held historic significance in the City and tried for years to find a developer! Well their dream has finally (after 30 years) become a reality!! After the building was turned over to the City of Niagara Falls, it was restored and returned to it's earlier glory!! I had the chance to walk through it a few times and it is spectacular. With a lot of dedication and effort, the City was able to save this gem!! It currently house offices for the Boarder Patrol and Bridge Commission, but will be unveiling soon the new and exciting permanent installation of the Underground Railroad Heritage Center! Kate is on the Board for the Niagara Falls National Hertiage Area who is helping to bring us this awesome new attraction! It has been 35 years since a new cultural attraction has opened in Niagara Falls!!
We would like to have our Family memorialized as a partner on this exciting grand opening of the Underground Railroad Heritage Center to commemorate the dedication from Uncle Bill, Uncle Mike and Uncle Dave to hold onto this building for all those years!! They are currently looking for partners to help sponsor the grand opening events! Kate and I were already planning on sponsoring, but we thought it would be nice to reach out to all our family so that The Broderick Family will continue to be a partner on this project!!
As a side note, one summer in the early 90's when the Canadian dollar was strong, the back ups on the Whirlpool Bridge returning to Canada were stagering. Uncle Mike let me rent a space to sell ice cream and drinks to the people that were waiting!! I think I made about $1,000 that summer at "Libby's By the Ledge"!!
http://niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org/
Why is this significant you may ask??? Well it is the history of the building that is important to our family. The building was purchased by Uncle Mike and Uncle Bill (with the help and guidance of Uncle Dave) years and years ago (maybe Bill can tell us the year!!). They knew that this building held historic significance in the City and tried for years to find a developer! Well their dream has finally (after 30 years) become a reality!! After the building was turned over to the City of Niagara Falls, it was restored and returned to it's earlier glory!! I had the chance to walk through it a few times and it is spectacular. With a lot of dedication and effort, the City was able to save this gem!! It currently house offices for the Boarder Patrol and Bridge Commission, but will be unveiling soon the new and exciting permanent installation of the Underground Railroad Heritage Center! Kate is on the Board for the Niagara Falls National Hertiage Area who is helping to bring us this awesome new attraction! It has been 35 years since a new cultural attraction has opened in Niagara Falls!!
We would like to have our Family memorialized as a partner on this exciting grand opening of the Underground Railroad Heritage Center to commemorate the dedication from Uncle Bill, Uncle Mike and Uncle Dave to hold onto this building for all those years!! They are currently looking for partners to help sponsor the grand opening events! Kate and I were already planning on sponsoring, but we thought it would be nice to reach out to all our family so that The Broderick Family will continue to be a partner on this project!!
As a side note, one summer in the early 90's when the Canadian dollar was strong, the back ups on the Whirlpool Bridge returning to Canada were stagering. Uncle Mike let me rent a space to sell ice cream and drinks to the people that were waiting!! I think I made about $1,000 that summer at "Libby's By the Ledge"!!
http://niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org/
Co-organizers2
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Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Commission Inc (Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center)
Beneficiary
Kate Broderick
Co-organizer