Niagara Falls Power Exhibit
Power & Revolution: The History of Power in Niagara at The Education Building
Where Niagara Changed the World
Discover the story of innovation, industry, and hydroelectric power at Niagara Falls State Park in this limited-time exhibit exploring the forces that shaped modern America.
The Power of Niagara
In 2026, three major anniversaries converge at Niagara Falls State Park:
- The 250th anniversary of American independence
- The 130th anniversary of the first large-scale transmission of alternating current electricity from Niagara Falls
- The 70th anniversary of the Schoellkopf Power Station collapse
Power & Revolution explores how Niagara Falls became one of the most important places in the history of energy, engineering, preservation, and progress.
Through historic imagery, timelines, artifacts, and stories of innovation, guests will discover how the power of Niagara helped shape the modern world.
Exhibit Details
Dates
Memorial Day through October 31, 2026
Hours
Open daily, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location
Education Building at Niagara Falls State Park
Located next to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center
Admission
Free to visit
What You’ll Discover
The Rise of Hydroelectric Power
Learn how Niagara Falls became the center of a global race to harness electricity and how innovators like Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse changed the future forever.
The Battle of AC vs. DC
Explore the technological revolution that transformed Niagara Falls into one of the most important hydroelectric sites in the world.
The Schoellkopf Disaster
Discover the story behind the dramatic 1956 collapse of the Schoellkopf Power Station and how it reshaped power generation at Niagara Falls.
Preservation vs. Progress
See how Niagara balanced industrial growth with protecting one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
Featured Timeline Moments
The exhibit highlights key moments in Niagara’s power history, including:
• The first mills along the Niagara River in the 1700s
• Tesla’s arrival in the United States in 1884
• The first AC power transmission from Niagara Falls to Buffalo in 1896
• The Pan-American Exposition powered by Niagara hydroelectricity
• The 1956 Schoellkopf collapse
• The creation of the Robert Moses Power Plant
Discover the Story Behind the Power
Plan your visit to Niagara Falls State Park and experience the history that helped electrify the modern world. Explore more at the Niagara Region Archive.
Park Information
If you’re new to Niagara Falls State Park, we can help. This is everything you need to know to make your trip a success.
Explore the Region
There’s more to Niagara Falls than just the park. Here’s what’s close by and worth your time.