The waterways of the Niagara Frontier played a central role in the history and prehistory of the region and also promise to shape the development of the region's future. From the earliest canoes and flat bottomed bateaux to canal packets and majestic yachts, the area presents a rich and fascinating history. The vital water links of the area not only attracted the work of the best naval architects from the east coast but also spawned unique and specially adapted boats. At present our six thousand square foot exhibition space allows the display of over 30 boats ranging from an 1840's Buffalo Harbor Ferry to a 24 foot racing keelboat. Also on display are photos, models, and paintings of boats of the Niagara Frontier. A maritime library is being developed with a collection of historic boat plans, scholarly journals, magazines, books, and archival documents. The Historic Boat Museum is also in the process of developing a Regional Center for Watercraft Documentation, under federal guidelines. This Center will play an important role in preserving the area's maritime heritage.
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