This Buffalo museum is part of the world's largest privately-held collection of rare and valuable manuscripts held by real-estate tycoons David and Marsha Karpeles. It is actually one of eleven Karpeles libraries scattered throughout the U.S. There are two library adjuncts in Buffalo, Porter Hall and the North Hall. The museum houses gems such as an original U.S. Bill of Rights draft, a description by Einstein of his Theory of Relativity, and a Thanksgiving Proclamation signed by George Washington. Admission to the museum is free, although donations are appreciated.
This museum, located in the former home of a Roycroft artisan, chronicles the life and work of Elbert Hubbard. Hubbard acquired a print shop in the Village of East Aurora in 1895 and became well-known for the beautiful books he produced. He was one of the first printers to make use of white space and endorsements in his advertising. He was the founder of the Roycroft Campus which had over 500 craftsmen in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The museum has a variety of artifacts which belonged to Hubbard and his craftsmen, including furniture, leather-work and rare books.
Eden, NY is where people can find the 'Kazoo Capital of the World' because it is home to the only metal kazoo factory in existence. Established in 1916, the working factory still has its original equipment that churn out kazoos and for nearly a century, these membranophones have been made this way. Tours are self-guided, but groups of six or more can request a guided tour. Inside the museum, visitors can see and buy kazoos of all shapes and sizes. Also located in front is the boutique shop which features jewelry, books, toys, cards and of course, more kazoos.
Iron Island is not some piece of land you'll find in the middle of Lake Erie, this 'island' is actually in the Lovejoy Neighborhood of Buffalo. The oddly named museum is run under the auspices of the Iron Island Preservation Society of Lovejoy and the society's aim is to preserve the historical record of the area. Inside the museum, guests will find memorabilia, artistic renderings of buildings and photos of war veterans who lived in the area to an authentic, wooden altar from an 1896 church that once stood on the site. One other side note, it is said that the building is haunted by a ghost named 'Edgar', a war veteran who never had his remains buried.
For more than 75 years, the Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo has celebrated its love for jazz music. Over the last seven decades, this club has grown to be the culmination of ambitious jazz patrons who gathered to discuss, share and promote jazz as a genre in Buffalo as well as Western New York. Apart from a never-ending rotation of jazz greats who have walked through its doors, stars such as Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and many more, this club has been a seminal part in the heritage of Buffalo's African-American community.
This historic 650-seat theater, which was built in 1925, features first-run movies as well as live shows and special events. The theater has been renovated to resemble its original splendor, including refurbished mahogany doors with brass kick plates, murals on the walls, a large lobby area, and a new concession area with updated equipment. Groups of any size can also rent the theater for meetings, parties, and other special events. Your group can even bring your own movies to show on the big screen. If you need to do a presentation, there is a built-in display projector and sound system. -Christine A. Smyczynski
Meibohm Fine Arts has been owned and operated by the Meibohm family for three generations. They have a reputation for personalized attention and customer service. The business was started by Carl Meibohm in 1901 right after he was one of the photographers at the Pan-American Exposition held the same year in Buffalo. Meibohm Fine Arts is located in two buildings along Main Street in East Aurora. The front building houses an art gallery, which features the work of local artists. The back building houses the Art Shop, which sells prints and original artwork. They also do custom framing for both individuals and businesses.
This museum, located in the former home of a Roycroft artisan, chronicles the life and work of Elbert Hubbard. Hubbard acquired a print shop in the Village of East Aurora in 1895 and became well-known for the beautiful books he produced. He was one of the first printers to make use of white space and endorsements in his advertising. He was the founder of the Roycroft Campus which had over 500 craftsmen in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The museum has a variety of artifacts which belonged to Hubbard and his craftsmen, including furniture, leather-work and rare books.
Eden, NY is where people can find the 'Kazoo Capital of the World' because it is home to the only metal kazoo factory in existence. Established in 1916, the working factory still has its original equipment that churn out kazoos and for nearly a century, these membranophones have been made this way. Tours are self-guided, but groups of six or more can request a guided tour. Inside the museum, visitors can see and buy kazoos of all shapes and sizes. Also located in front is the boutique shop which features jewelry, books, toys, cards and of course, more kazoos.
Iron Island is not some piece of land you'll find in the middle of Lake Erie, this 'island' is actually in the Lovejoy Neighborhood of Buffalo. The oddly named museum is run under the auspices of the Iron Island Preservation Society of Lovejoy and the society's aim is to preserve the historical record of the area. Inside the museum, guests will find memorabilia, artistic renderings of buildings and photos of war veterans who lived in the area to an authentic, wooden altar from an 1896 church that once stood on the site. One other side note, it is said that the building is haunted by a ghost named 'Edgar', a war veteran who never had his remains buried.
This unique art gallery is the only arts organization in Western New York that focuses on the works of Latin/Caribbean and African American artists. It was started in 1981 by a grass roots group of Latin and Caribbean artists, who noticed that artwork done by artists in their ethnic groups was not represented in most traditional art galleries. This group sponsored a number of exhibits on Buffalo's West Side. They later began including the works of people from all different types of backgrounds and eventually opened a permanent gallery. Local, national and international artists display their work here. Many of the exhibits are designed to educate people, as well as entertain them. -Christine A. Smyczynski
2011 marks the 30th season of Moondance Cat, a luxury, passenger catamaran. Built in Charleston, South Carolina, it is modeled after the original moon-dance. The ship has a wet bar, sound system, and plenty of room to tan. You can enjoy a two-hour sightseeing cruise or a sunset dinner cruises. On board menu selections include finger foods like pizza, wings, and veggies and dip. A banquet package is also available. The boat is also available for group charters and corporate events. They even offer historical harbor tours May through September for school groups.