March Along the Portage

The public is invited to join us at the NACC to learn more about the Niagara Portage. The Portage is one of the oldest highways in this country, used by Native Americans centuries before Europeans came to settle. Before roads were built, people had to travel by water to go long distances. Niagara Falls was insurmountable and a pathway around it was necessary. Native people with canoes carried on their backs created the trail that in later centuries saw soldiers marching on it and trade goods moved and that still exists today as Portage Road. This 15 mile stretch of road has over 50 sites of interest along it. Begin the journey of discovering these stories by attending the March Along the Portage workshops.

A special invitation goes out to educators, tour guides and individuals interested in preserving the history of Niagara Falls to be part of this special event. Teachers in attendance will gain access to an online library of more than 100 lesson plans and resources. The lectures are free, and attendees are welcome to come to any, or all of the lectures. Four workshops with prominent local speakers will be held in the Niagara Room at the NACC, 1201 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls NY. Call 716-282-7530 or check the website www.thenacc.org for more information.

• Thursday March 13th 4-6pm Importance and Impact Speaker: Paul Gromosiak
• Thursday March 20th 4-6pm Travel and Trade Speakers: Dan Davis & Lew Buttery
• Thursday March 27th 4-6pm “I Fear Ye Portage will be Difficult”-Niagara & Pontiac’s War 1763-1764 Speaker: Robert Emerson
• Saturday March 29th 12-1pm Fabric of History: Textiles and the Niagara Portage Speaker: Catherine Emerson 1pm-4pm- Natural Dyeing Techniques Workshop-Instructor: Susan Borden. Free to attend and observe, but if you want to participate there is a $25 materials charge. This workshop will focus on traditional fabric dying techniques and the history of fabrics and textiles that would have been transported along the portage.

The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center in co-operation with the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, will host this series in preparation for the permanent Niagara Portage Interpretive Exhibit that will be opening at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center this spring.

More Information:

The Niagara’s Historic East Portage Road Exhibit: is the next phase in developing the NACC as a cultural tourism destination. This project began to formulate in 2008 when the NACC and Seaway Trail Inc. unveiled a cultural heritage interpretive panel about the Portage. The panel showcased the facts, and events associated with the formation of Portage Road. This new exhibit will foster a greater awareness of historically significant sites along the route, will act as an information distribution center, as well as highlight some of the current cultural treasures.

The March along the Portage lectures and workshops are designed to educate the public about the significance of the portage, and to allow teachers in the Niagara Area to take part in dialogue about the significance of the Niagara Portage and help develop excellent Common Core lesson plans and interactive activities for students.

The NACC is a 501c-3, Not-For Profit. Saved from demolition in 2001, the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center has grown to become the largest multi-arts center in NY. The NACC is open to 7 days a week and offers a broad array of events and classes to the public. The NACC has taken a positive role in the community as an educational center and has positive impact in terms of economic development, historic preservation and neighborhood revitalization.