Beat the heat this summer at Niagara Falls

For those unfamiliar with the area, Niagara Falls may conjure images of a daring barreler freefalling through the mist but little else. The cultural impact of this iconic imagery belies the true potential of this destination for summer vacationers seeking freedom from the oppressive heat.

Those looking to get close to the water can rent kayaks or get close to the falls on the classic Maid of the Mist boat tour. Hikers and birders, even turkey hunters, will find their fare too, in the shaded trees and well-tended trails that fill in the surrounding area.

Visitors looking for more curated culture will find it in the wine tastings, concert series, and art exhibitions that line the listings in the local calendar.

While much of the destination’s historical programming focuses on Old Fort Niagara, a site important to the Seven Years War which was first established in 1678 and bearing a 1726 construction, students of Black history will find even more to uncover.

The history of the falls’ role in helping enslaved people seek freedom is enshrined at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center where interactive displays highlight migration stories and speeches from Black political leaders of the day.

While the NAACP is a household name, few know of its predecessor, the Niagara Movement. In the early 20th century, the promises of Reconstruction were failing to pan out and Black leaders were divided on what to do. Booker T. Washington, at the time, advocated for Black people to turn towards money making professions and away from pushing for integration to help Black Americans uplift themselves but his younger contemporaries disagreed.

In response, W.E.B. Du Bois published a letter calling for like-minded men to join him in forming an organized response, inviting the 29 men who responded to join him in Erie, Ontario for a conference near the falls which took place in July of 1905.

The movement grew substantially and won some local political battles like addressing segregated rail cars in Massachusetts before losing steam in 1908, partially over the issue of the admission of women to the organization. However, most who played a prominent role in the movement went on to be some of the original leaders of the NAACP.

This story was originally published July 11, 2022 at 9:00 AM.