08/27/2026
The Erie Canal carried more than boats through NT. It carried people, families and the hope of building a new life.
These human stories have inspired “New Beginnings,” a proposed monument for Gateway Park by award-winning sculptor Susan Geissler. The project draws on the history of immigration along the canal, including the movement of people westward after the canal opened in 1825, and the communities that developed along the route.
The monument depicts a family, carrying limited personal belongings as they make their way up and away from the Erie Canal toward a new life.
“This will be an emotional piece of sculpture as the characters exhibit dreams, fears and excitement as they step into the unknown,” Susan shared.
Susan’s work can already be found in Lewiston, Lockport, Grand Island, and Niagara Falls, and Niagara County Legislator Richard Andres has been working for NT to be next.
Thank you to those who gathered with us at the NT History Museum on Saturday to hear Susan discuss the project, see the clay maquette up close, and learn about the complex process of turning an idea into a monumental bronze sculpture.
We learned what goes into creating a sculpture of this scale, from ideas and sketches to sculpting and the creation of a clay maquette before casting in bronze. There’s also transportation and installation, fundraising and meetings involved in bringing a project of this scale to life. Peter Henderson, who works with Susan on the business and logistical side of her projects, joined her at the museum and gave us a look at that part of the process.
The project is currently expected to cost approximately $425,000, including the full-scale model, casting, shipping and installation. Funding is anticipated to come from cultural foundations and government grants, but approximately 10% of the project cost must first be raised through public donations.
Thank you if you have already donated.
If you’d like to support “New Beginnings”, contributions can be made to the North Tonawanda History Museum, 712 Oliver Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120. Please mark contributions “New Beginnings.” The museum is a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
