Learn to tell Buffalo’s stories to the world! Beginning February 13th, Buffalo Tours hosts its docent training program for those interested in sharing Buffalo Niagara’s architectural, environmental, cultural, and historical heritage. During weekly Saturday sessions from 9:30am to 12:30pm, trainees will learn about Buffalo’s cultural heritage, develop public speaking skills and practice docenting and concierge techniques.
This year Buffalo Tours partners with the Roycroft Campus Corporation, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, and the Buffalo Religious Arts Center to train volunteers who are passionate about leading tours in the Buffalo Niagara region. Buffalo Tours’ main architectural tour is called Queen City Downtown. Roycroft Campus tours give visitors a glimpse into the 1900’s arts and crafts community located in East Aurora. The TR Site tells visitors about the most famous (or infamous) event in Buffalo’s history, while the Buffalo Religious Arts Center preserves and displays sacred cultural artifacts. Niagara Riverkeeper EcoTours give participants the opportunity to paddle around Strawberry Island and Cayuga Creek, hike the Niagara Gorge and Scajaquada Creek, and lead programs with Buffalo Audubon.
Each Saturday session includes training and related lectures or field trips around Western New York. On field trips, trainees deepen their understanding of local history and current events and the influence of world famous architects like Wright, Green, Richardson, and Olmsted while exploring places like the Roycroft Campus, the Niagara Falls Power Vista, and Gothic Revival cathedrals. The entire class lasts ten weeks.
The first five joint classes run from February 13th to March 13th at different locations. Volunteers choose to continue training with individual organizations for the remaining sessions. A one time fee of $75 will cover the cost of docent training materials and other costs. To register, please fill out an online application at BuffaloTours.org before the February 1st deadline. For more information, call 716-852-3300 or send an email to info@BuffaloTours.org.
Buffalo Tours is a public education program of Preservation Buffalo Niagara, a nonprofit organization created to identify, preserve, protect, promote and revitalize historically and architecturally significant sites, structures, neighborhoods, commercial districts and landscapes in Erie and Niagara Counties. Visit P-B-N.org for details.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Buffalo Docent Training Begins February 13th
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
"Elbert Hubbard: An American Original"
The Public Broadcasting System, WNED in Buffalo, is airing a documentary on Elbert Hubbard, of Roycroft fame, on Monday November 23rd, 2009, at 10pm. It was locally produced, but for a national audience.
The recent Buffalo News review of it was very favorable: http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/story/866878.html
Saturday, June 27, 2009
IMPORTANT: Signing in Tour Takers
Many docents aren't sure how to sign in guests. In the past we signed in people with one big sheet. Throw those out--we don't use them anymore! Click on the picture below to enlarge it and learn more about the Sign-in/Roycroft Raffle slip. (The slip is on the left and docent instructions are on the right):
Older slips are horizontal instead of vertical, but they say the same thing. If you run out of slips, come down to the office or E-mail us and we'll send you an electronic copy.
Also, Office Assistant Kim asks that all credit card numbers are legible and everyone who pays with credit gives you their phone number. Thanks!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Waterfront Plans
Docents are expected to be up to date on the ever changing Canal Side plans. The current dates are found below. The Canal Side Newsreel on the right will always show the latest news.
Clearing the Aud site makes way for Buffalo’s waterfront development and Canal Side plans, including construction of the outdoor sporting goods store Bass Pro, set to open by May 2011, according to waterfront officials.
The schematics for Bass Pro’s new building are complete, the site pad design is under way, and development officials expect to complete the environmental review process by October.
Plans also call for reconstruction of four historic streets in the waterfront area: Lloyd, Perry, Hanover and Prime, using cobblestones under the existing pavement. That project is being funded with federal stimulus money, as well as additional money that was secured by Rep. Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo. The work will be overseen by the city.
Other sources: http://eriecanalharbor.com http://www.earthcam.com/client/erie
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Tour Signups
Scheduled Tours
City Hall/Erie Canal Schedule
If you'd like to signup for any open slots, please contact the office info@BuffaloTours.org or 852-3300.