Dunkirk Historical Museum, Dunkirk, NY

08/26/2026

She secret's finally out: we're unveiling another new display!

While area residents probably know all about Brooks Locomotive Works and ALCO, few have heard of the Dunkirk Engineering Company, makers of a unique type of locomotive essential to logging for the American building boom at the turn of the last century. Visitors are invited to the Dunkirk Historical Museum on Saturday, September 5th at 11am for a brief look at the company's history and its impact, presented by Roger Schulenberg. Visitors will get a first look at the new display, complete with an accurate scale model created by Richard Schulenberg of one of these amazing and unique locomotives.

The Dunkirk Historical Museum is located at 513 Washington Avenue in Dunkirk, across from Washington Park. Usual hours are MWF 9a-12p, Weds 4:30-6p, and first Saturdays 10a-2p. For more information, call 716-366-3797. Please note the museum is only accessible by stairs at this time.

08/21/2026

Please note an adjustment to our hours through the end of 2026: We are open the FIRST Saturday of each month 10-2pm in addition to our regular hours. For other times, please call us (leave a message if needed) and set up an appointment.

08/18/2026

Many thanks to NCCF for being such a help and support to our local nonprofits!

Happy National Nonprofit Day!

Today, we're pausing to say thank you. To every nonprofit in northern Chautauqua County that shows up for our community, day in and day out.

We could not do the work we do, or have the impact we have, without the support, dedication, and partnership of our community's nonprofits. No matter the season, no matter the obstacles, northern Chautauqua County nonprofits get it done. It's truly amazing the amount of love, support, and quality-of-life improvements our partners bring to our community.

From food pantries to youth programs, environmental stewards to affordable housing advocates, animal welfare to our aging population, you are the heartbeat of northern Chautauqua County. At NCCF, we're honored to work alongside you, and we're grateful every single day for the relationships and collaboration that make this work possible.

💛 Please tag a nonprofit that's made a difference in our community! Let's fill this thread with gratitude for the organizations doing the work!💛



P.S. Don't forget, the deadline for the Community Grants Program is September 1st!

08/16/2026

It was a joy to welcome so many Class reunions this year! If you or someone you know is planning a reunion for next year (no matter which school!), please be sure to reach out to us as soon as possible and let us know your schedule of events. We're all volunteer, so we want to be sure the museum can be fully staffed when classmates would like to visit, or arrange a special tour.

08/14/2026

Do you love our new '70s exhibit and want to share it? We are now recruiting exhibit docents. No need for a permanent commitment, just call or stop in and give us your contact information and choose some time slots that work for you from now until December during our regular open hours. Exhibit docents are on hand to answer questions (or guide questions to our staff) and share your experiences with our visitors. Some walking will be required, although we will work to make any accommodations needed.

If you can't make it, why not share this post to your friends and family that might be interested? Thank you for helping us get the word out!

08/09/2026

If you thought our main exhibit was the only new thing around the Museum, think again! Mark your calendars for September 5th at 11am, when we will unveil the newest addition to our Railroad display about a less-well known locomotive manufacturer from Dunkirk. Keep an eye on this space for more details!

Hint: The clipping pictured here is from 16 November, 1892.

PS. Why don't we name kids something as cool as Philetus anymore?

08/09/2026

So excited to be featured in the Dunkirk Observer! Thank you for such great coverage, and we've already seen many new visitors who saw the article. Always great to get the word out about what we do for our community.

The Dunkirk Historical Museum is offering a trip back in time to the 1970s. “That '70s Exhibit" is on display at the Washington Avenue institution. Admission is free to everyone.

https://www.observertoday.com/news/top-stories/2026/08/trip-back-in-time/

08/07/2026

Welcome, DHS Class of '76! We loved having you visit today! The museum will be open again tomorrow 8/8 from 10a-2p. (FREE ADMISSION, open to ALL visitors!)