History exhibits to pop up with stored artifacts at four local cafes
October 21, 2026 at 3:24 AM
Fort Erie Museum Services is launching a new program that takes artifacts out of storage and into three local cafes and a shop, where residents can share their memories of each object.
The program, called Pop-Up History, will bring one artifact to each of four sessions between October 29 and November 17. The first session starts at 11 a.m. on October 29 at Crystal Ball Cafe in Crystal Beach.
Town of Fort Erie museum curator Nicole Komar told Fort Erie Radio that the town’s museums, like most, keep more items in storage than they can display at one time.
Museum staff picked one of those stored artifacts for each session to start a group conversation about a piece of Fort Erie history.
Museum Services is keeping the artifacts a secret, but Komar offered two examples of the kinds of objects staff chose: a common household item connected to a local family, or a school object most people would recognize but rarely see today.
“In many ways, those conversations that the items will hopefully encourage become just as important as the artifacts themselves,” she said.
Residents don’t need to know Fort Erie’s history or have lived in town long to join a session, Komar said.
Staff will give each participant a sheet of paper to write down their memories. The museums will also share an online link where people can submit stories.
The museums will save those stories in a collection connected to the program but haven’t decided what to do with it. Komar said that decision could depend on how many stories residents submit and the quality of those stories.
Little Red Coffee on Queen Street in Fort Erie will hold the second session on November 7 at 11 a.m. Our Corner Cafe in Ridgeway will hold the third session on November 10 at 1 p.m.
The Fox Shop, a home decor store and wine bar on Jarvis Street in Bridgeburg, will hold the last scheduled session on November 17 at 11 a.m.
Komar said she hopes to keep offering Pop-Up History at the four locations in the future, which could expand to other businesses across Fort Erie.
Stevensville slo-pitch tournament to support children’s hospital
Bills Backers tackle Derby Road for tailgate party and fundraiser
‘Cows Come Home’ screens in Fort Erie with red carpet for I CAN-T.E.R.
About The Author
Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
Stay Informed