The Niagara Foundation was established as a voluntary charitable organization in 1962 to promote the history, traditions and culture of the Niagara area.
Within a few months of its inauguration the Foundation commissioned an inventory of Niagara's historic buildings; later a similar extensive survey of the historical buildings in the former Niagara Township outside the old Town boundaries was also completed.
To commemorate Canada's centennial in 1967 the Foundation published, The Early Architecture of the Town and Township of Niagara by Peter Stokes and edited by Harry Picken and Gerry Wooll. This authoritative limited edition reference book has become a collector's item; a soft cover version was republished several years ago. On the occasion of the Town's bicentennial in 1981 the Foundation published the unique colourful isometric map of the old Town. In 1992 the Foundation helped finance the Niagara Historical Society's successful publication, The Capital Years 1792-1796.
In recognition of the little-known fact that gravestones are very much part of our cultural heritage, an important photographic survey of 20 local graveyards was carried out with the Foundation's support.
Historical buildings have always been the Foundation's prime focus. In 1965 when one of the oldest apothecaries in continuous use as such in Ontario and possibly in all of Canada was closed due to the ill health of the last pharmacist and the building was threatened, the Foundation purchased the unique building and its contents. Eventually the various levels of government and the Ontario College of Pharmacy were convinced to undertake a restoration of the building. Title was transferred to the College which today operates the building as a 19th century apothecary museum, The Niagara Apothecary.
In 1987 the Foundation leased the original and unique Fog Signal Station on Riverbeach Road from the town, restored the building as a residence and has leased the home to a resident custodian ever since, thus insuring its survival.
In 1994 when St. Mark's congregation could not agree on the use of its rectory, the Foundation negotiated a 12 years lease, restored the architecturally significant building and sublet the property for the next 12 years until the current rector decided to take up residence again in this outstanding Italianate building.
Late in 1999, the Foundation acquired what is now known as the William and Susannah Steward Homestead to prevent the redevelopment of the property. This modest frame cottage circa 1835, is an excellent example of a local vernacular architecture and is considered the most important surviving house in town owned by early black settlers. The house which contains much original detail and the adjacent barn have been partially restored and designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Through the Foundation's efforts, a Provincial Plaque has been erected by the Ontario Heritage Foundation.
Through the efforts of charter member Frank Hawley, the Foundation acquired three 19th century carriages: a convertible landau used during a Royal visit to Niagara in 1901, a hunting trap and a hearse which was manufactured in St. Catharines. The first two were restored by the Foundation while the hearse was transferred to the local funeral home with the promise that it would be completely restored and made available to the public.
The Foundation was the recipient of important local furniture from two local estates. These are currently in storage for possible use in future restorations.
Over the years the Foundation along with other heritage groups have made presentations to various levels of government, commissions , committees etc. promoting the preservation of the architectural, cultural and environmental integrity of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The efforts of the Niagara Foundation have primarily been financed by its Annual House Tours which have now been held for 47 consecutive years, certainly a record in Ontario if not all of Canada. The Tours have provided thousands of interested people an opportunity to learn and appreciate more about Niagara's wonderful architectural heritage.