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ARSENIC AND OLD LACE: THE LEWISTON CONNECTION
Free movie and program
Lewiston Red Brick School Gym
North Forth Street, Lewiston, NY
Saturday, February 25, 6pm

     Did you know the idea for the Arsenic and Old Lace play and movie came
from Lewiston?  Learn about Oak Hill (former mansion at Artpark) and its
mysterious residents.  Maybe you remember Nina Starkweather and her now
famous relatives.
     After a brief discussion about its Lewiston connection, you can sit
back and enjoy the uninterrupted movie, starring Cary Grant.
     This free event is co-sponsored by the Historical Association of
Lewiston and the Lewiston Recreation Department.  Refreshments will be
available for a nominal cost.
     See you on Saturday night, the 25th, at 6pm at the Lewiston Red Brick!

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SEA SCOUT TROOP STARTS IN LEWISTON
Open call for co-ed program, ages 14-20
Learn how to sail on the Black Pearl this summer!

     What an unbelievable opportunity!
     Can you imagine being 14-20 and having the opportunity to learn how to
sail -- for free?  And can you imagine what it would be like to learn how
to sail -- not on small sailboat -- but on a real tall ship that will take
you to exciting ports of call?
     Yes, this is an opportunity that dreams are made of and the Historical
Association of Lewiston, in cooperation with the Black Pearl, will make
those dreams come true.
     A new Sea Scout troop has been established (in Sea Scouts the troops
are actually referred to as "Ships") and this new one will be called "Ship
1812."  Applications are being taken now.  The co-ed program is an official
part of the Boy Scouts and girls are more than welcomed.
     However, there is limited room and the program can only accept 15 new
scouts, so those students who show the interest and commitment to
participate regularly will go to the top of the list for consideration.
     Thousands of Sea Scouters have gone on to careers on the high seas,
including military service in the Navy and Coast Guard.
     Applicants can reside anywhere in New York.  Those interested in
getting more details about this amazing program are invited to call Black
Pearl Captain, Amanda Alexander, at 716-698-8399.

     Sea Scouts are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year.  You
can learn more about the organization here: http://www.newseascout.org/

     Speaking of the Black Pearl, did you catch the George's Appliance
commercial that features the Pearl?   You can see it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3_toQWm0RY

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SPECTACULAR FLAMES EVENT CAPTURED IN PHOTOS
Thank you to all the reenactors, from both sides of the border,
and Wendt's Propane for putting on a tremendous show.

     Thousands turned out to this year's Flames Through Lewiston event
to enjoy seeing all the action -- British redcoats, American soldiers,
natives, and of course the music, the muskets, and the fires from
Wendt's Propane!  The weather cooperated and it was a great night
commemorating Lewiston's history.  This was a 100% volunteer effort
and we want to thank all the volunteer reenactors and organizers for a
tremendous and spectacular evening.
     Here are the links to the videos and photographs that were taken that
night.  We thank local professional photographer Bill Carpenter, and his
crew, for the great shots.  We also thank the video photographers and
the press for the great coverage.

Professional pictures by DeCarr Photography:
http://www.pbase.com/decarr/flames_through_lewiston-2011

Buffalo News article with picture:
http://www.buffalonews.com/incoming/article676804.ece
    
Gazette front page article with photos:
http://tinyurl.com/6q84e3r

Chris Budde Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVO_F1W_7PI

JAFERGarazzi Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcSKZ57V4II

Lewiston Lions Club Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj_UR_AX088

Still Pictures from Sentinel (click on Flames Through Lewiston)
http://www.wnypapers.com/image-gallery

Sentinel Videos on YouTube
http://bit.ly/A6AVJn

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NEW 1st LEWISTON MILITIA REENACTMENT UNIT FORMED
Those interested in getting into the reenactment hobby are welcomed.

     John Stewart of Niagara Falls, a long time military reenactor, has
announced the creation of a new unit that will be called the 1st
Lewiston Militia, that will add color, and history, to our 1812 Bicentennial.
     If you have ever thought about getting involved in reenacting as a
hobby, this is a great opportunity to make new friends and experience
first hand how the farmers, merchants and craftsmen, came together
200 years ago to fight for our new country.
     So whether you are a beginner, or an experienced reenactor
looking for a new group to join, now is the time to sign up and become
a part of the 1st Lewiston Militia.
    You can email John at:  js2art at aol.com (just use the @ sign
in place of the word "at") or give him a call at 716-990-9565.  He
will be glad to hear from you and he'll get you on a contact list to
inform you of where and when the first organizational meeting will
be held.  And if you think you can assist the group, anything you can
bring to the table will be welcomed.

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LEWISTON TEENS FIRE CANNON BALLS MADE OUT OF MUD
First shot in the War of 1812 scares British war ship

     Our new placemat, which will be distributed at Apple Granny and Tommy
George's, features an excerpt from a 1906 book that discusses the
true-story adventures of a small group of Lewiston teens who made a
homemade cannon and shot cannon mudballs at a passing British war ship.
     It's a fascinating story and one of the many 1812 incidents that
occurred here that will focus more attention on Lewiston during our
forthcoming 1812 Bicentennial.
     You can check out the new placemat online by clicking here:
     http://historiclewiston.org/downloads/mudballlers_placemat.pdf
    Thank you to our sponsor, M&T Bank and Beth Donner, for making this
possible.  If you are interested in sponsoring a future placemat (about
10,000 distributed each month) just reply to this email and we can send you
details.  There is only one advertising space available on each placemat.
     And... we've learned that a Rochester historian has a copy of a letter
that was written in 1865 by the Mudball ringleader.  Chances look good that
we'll be able to host him here in Lewiston for our March or April program
where he will discuss the letter and donate a copy to our Museum.  A
tremendous piece of Lewiston history, coming home!

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BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS BICENTENNIAL PLANS UNDERWAY
Big weekend of October 12-14, 2012
Cross border efforts highlight first major battle of War of 1812

     Over 30 volunteer organizers met at the Lewiston Museum recently to
discuss plans for the forthcoming Battle of Queenston Heights Bicentennial
Commemoration and Reenactment that will take place on October 12-14, at
Academy Park, in Lewiston, and Queenston, Ontario.
     Volunteers included Bruce Sutherland, Leandra Collesano, Lisa
Ohanessian, Pam Hauth, Liz Kovacs, Robert Graczyk, Tim Henderson, Tricia
Mezhir, Tim Tutko, Jeanette Engel, Lloyd Draper, Mark Linke, Bob & Kathy
Wynne, Harry & Suzanne Buckholtz, Aaron Dey, Jeff Jordan, Norm & Mary
Machelor, Lewis Buttery, Pete Henderson, John Sek, John Stewart, Ron
Colangelo, Thomas Schofield, Scott Frank, Steve Frey, Marleen Krueger,
Dottie Gara, and Lee Simonson.
     The Battle of Queenston Heights was the first major battle of the War
of 1812 when half of the American army was sent to Lewiston to invade
Canada, on October 13, 1812.  The Americans gained a temporary foothold
on the Canadian side and killed British General Isaac Brock, but were later
pushed back and lost in a humiliating defeat.
     You can see a photo of the volunteers here (photo by Bill Carpenter):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60878877@N03/6684651243/in/photostream

     Behind the scenes:  It hasn't been announced yet, but a new, and
beautiful, commemorative coin is being minted for the occasion.  A limited
number will be available to the public for only $10 each.  This highly collectible
 "challenge coin" will be sought after by enthusiasts in the U.S. and Canada,
and features the U.S. and British flags, Lewiston & Queenston, and the
phrase, "Commemorating the War, Celebrating the Peace."  If you are
interested in getting your hands on one, make your reservation
now by calling the Museum at 716-754-4214.  They won't last long.

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HENDERSON DISCOVERS PHOTO
1861: Earliest photo of Lewiston dock ever found

     Historical Association Tim Henderson has discovered, and acquired, the
earliest known photograph of the Lewiston dock.  It is in a stereoscopic
format and was taken by famous 19th Century photographer, Deloss Barnum.
     As soon as Tim saw it on eBay, he jumped at the chance to get it.  For
the whooping price of $19.95 (and free shipping), Tim was able to secure an
important photograph of Lewiston's river history.
     "It was great find on eBay, even though its been around for over 150
years. The photograph itself probably took days to reproduce with chemicals
and to print in 1861.  I got it in the mail the next day and uploaded it to
the Internet within an hour.  Times sure have changed!"
     Congratulations and thank you to eagle-eye Henderson! 
     You check it out here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60878877@N03/6653787227/in/photostream

     Here is a close up of that shows you the name of the ship, New York,
and a little of its Civil War history.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60878877@N03/6654565507/in/photostream
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LEWISTON FEATURED ON CHANNEL 2
Birth of the Cocktail and Freedom Crossing Hit the Airwaves

     In case you missed it on TV, here are the videos of the two stories which WGRZ-TV featured on its news this past month.  You can go to these websites and click on the videos in the upper right.

     Unknown Stories: House With 4 Cellars
     http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=87867&catid=13

     Lewiston, NY: Birthplace of the Cocktail
     http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=87487&provider=top

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GET YOUR STAR SPANGLED BANNER FLAG TODAY
FOR SALE:  1812 15-star Star Spangled Banner Flag
Show Your Historic Colors!
Phone: 716-754-4214

     The 1812 Bicentennial is just around the corner, so get your Star Spangled Banner today.
     You can get your 3x5 foot 1812 flag (nylon) for only $15 by calling us at the Museum at 716-754-4214 and charging your purchase over the phone, or to make arrangements to pick one up at the Museum. (Let us know if you want the more expensive cotton variety, or the huge 8x5 foot size.)
     This is an ongoing promotion, so be proud of Lewiston's 1812 heritage and start displaying your historic colors today!

3 x 5 foot nylon 1812 flag:  $15

3 x 5 foot cotton 1812 flag:  $65

5 x 8 foot nylon flag:  $80  (Temporary price.  Will be $100 soon.)

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"TUSCARORA HEROES" PROJECT ANNOUNCED
New Book Published -- Monument Proposed
Untold Heroism Brought to Light

     The wheels have been set in motion, and Lewiston -- and indeed, the United States -- will be giving our local Tuscarora neighbors a big thank you during the Bicentennial of the War of 1812.  Thanks to the publication of the new book, Tuscarora Heroes, by volunteer Lee Simonson, the story of how the Tuscaroras saved dozens of lives during the British attack on Lewiston on December 19, 1813, will never be forgotten.
       Books are available by calling the Museum at 716-754-4214, or at the Book Corner in Niagara Falls.  Here are couple of newspaper links and some pictures of the April 22 press conference at the Museum that were taken by Bill Carpenter.
    
Niagara Gazette article:
http://tinyurl.com/269da4k

Buffalo News article:
http://tinyurl.com/tuscaroraheroes

Concept design for new Tuscarora Heroes Monument by Susan Geissler:
http://www.pbase.com/decarr/image/123866467

Bill Carpenter's photographs (thanks, Bill!)
http://www.pbase.com/decarr/press_conf_1812_tuscarora_monument

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free to forward this newsletter.  Better yet, just have your friends send
an email to: join@HistoricLewiston.org and we'll put them on the list.
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MEMBERSHIP TIME
New Lifetime Member Option - Easy Sign Up on PayPal

     Yes, it's Historical Association membership time -- a wonderful
opportunity to become a part of Lewiston's emergence as Western New
York's cultural centerpiece.

    Membership Options:
      Individual membership: $25 ($20 for seniors)  (may purchase one
      discounted ticket to the Tour of Homes)
      Family membership: $40 (may purchase two discounted tickets to
      the Tour of Homes)
      Patron membership:  $50 same as Family membership
      Business membership: $100 (includes four discounted tickets to
      the Tour of Homes)
      Lifetime Member, $150 ($250 for family)  (may purchase one
      discounted ticket to the Tour of Homes, two discounted tickets
      for family membership)

     HOW TO RENEW OR BECOME A MEMBER: The easiest way to join is to
use PayPal online here: http://historiclewiston.org/gift.html
     Otherwise just send a check payable to: Historical Association
of Lewiston, PO Box 43, Lewiston, New York 14092
     Be sure to include your name, mailing address, email address,
and phone number.  You can also call up 716-754-4214 and charge your
membership over the phone.
     Either way, you'll know you're doing your part in preserving and
promoting Lewiston's rich heritage.  Thank you!

REMINDER TO DUES PAYING MEMBERS: You can stop by the Museum to pick up
your free copy of American Heritage Magazine.  Call Pam at the museum, 754-4214,
to make arrangements.