Tonawanda-Kenmore Historical Society

05/17/2026

SPEAKER SERIES EVENT
This Tuesday, May 19th at 7 PM, join us at the Tonawanda-Kenmore History Museum, 100 Knoche Road, Tonawanda, NY, for a fascinating look at the life of one of Buffalo’s earliest and most colorful founders — Dr. Cyrenius Chapin.
Dr. Thomas Rosenthal, author of Dr. Cyrenius Chapin: The Roots of Buffalo's Beginning, will share the remarkable story of the frontier physician, militia leader, and pioneer who helped shape early Buffalo.
From arriving in Buffalo in 1803 with his wife Sylvia, to leading the New York Militia during the War of 1812 and founding the Erie County Medical Society in 1821, Dr. Chapin’s life was filled with adventure, controversy, and determination.
Don’t miss this engaging presentation on one of Buffalo’s most daring early citizens.

04/28/2026

04/28/2026

We’re a little late—but the spirit of Arbor Day is always worth celebrating! Arbor Day was observed on April 24th, and the Tonawanda-Kenmore Historical Society is proud to mark the occasion by sharing this wonderful photograph of community members planting trees right here in the Town of Tonawanda.

12/07/2025

🚂 LAST FALL SPEAKER SERIES EVENT!
Tuesday, December 9th • 7:00 PM

Join the Tonawanda-Kenmore Historical Society for the final presentation in our Fall Speaker Series — and it’s one you won’t want to miss!

🌟 “Trains in Tonawanda” with Stephen Kocsis
Did you know that three major railroads once crossed the Town of Tonawanda? The New York Central, Erie, and Lehigh Valley rail lines all played a major role in shaping our community. Plus, the famous “High Speed” electric line once carried passengers from downtown Buffalo all the way to Niagara Falls and Olcott!

Today, you can still see the legacy of these railways:
🚴‍♂️ The former Erie line is now the Rails to Trails bike path
⚡ Remnants of the High-Speed line still run alongside it
🚆 The New York Central corridor, still active, now carries CSX and Amtrak trains along Military Road

Our guest speaker, Stephen Kocsis, is a lifelong rail historian and the founder and Director of Collections for the Western New York Railway Historical Society (WNYRHS). His knowledge and enthusiasm bring our region’s rail history to life!

Come learn, explore, and help us wrap up a great season of local history programming at the Tonawanda-Kenmore History Museum, 100 Knoche Road, Tonawanda, NY for this free event. See you there! 🚂✨