The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum’s final lecture of the year is set for Thursday and plans to provide an intimate look at a time in history when Niagara’s farmers were planting the seeds for the ever-growing agricultural landscape that exists today.
On Sept. 17, former Penn State English professor Tom Smith will discuss the history of the Niagara Agricultural Society, reflecting on handwritten meeting minutes he began transcribing in 2018.
These minutes record a time of great social, technological and agricultural transformation, a media release from the NOTL Museum said.
“The Great War and the social changes in the next decade affected every level of society,” Smith said. “Interestingly, that’s also when we saw the increasing inclusion of women in the society’s activities.”
Smith’s transcription project was completed in 2022 with support from museum volunteers. The transcription provided a rich archive of stories, becoming a foundation for his upcoming lecture.
“Puttin’ on the Show: The Niagara Agricultural Society 1890-1927” starts at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the NOTL Museum. Registration is required on the museum website. Entry is free for museum members and $15 for non-members.
