Why not move the firemans museum to a close proximity to this reworked firestation and the boat? As far as I know that museum is kinda off the beaten path.This location is within relatively close distance to the inner harbor and cobblestone districts and the casino. Lets get this in the fold as a big attraction to build the critical mass in the area and make it an interesting district with alot to see and do. The Cotter is a great resource!!!

I agree with the earlier comments regarding a grouping of assets in order to maximize possibilities. At some point, this boat will no longer be in service and, at that time, it should be given a permanent indoor berth in an existing facility that can tell the Cotter's story in context with other exhibits also on display.

My dream is to see the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society relocate to a large warehouse-style building in which it can have the freedom to mount creative displays and properly tell the fascinating history of the Buffalo area. (There are thousands of artifacts not currently on display.) Ditch the current Victorian-era moniker and rename it the Buffalo History Museum. The Cotter would be a great addition to their collection and children would love it.

Oh, and what to do with BECH's Nottingham Terrace location? Hand it over to the Albright-Knox for their use so they can breathe some life into the place. (Put pre-1950 art there and keep post-1950 pieces at their Elmwood complex.) This would allow the Albright-Knox to keep their visitors in close proximity and maximize attendance.

why the somewhat blah building? why not duplicate the original buildings facade and lay out the interior to meet your needs?

that old firehouse was pretty sexy. it also has covered porch which could also be useful in fundraising rentals. think the capability to do indoor/outdoor events right on the waterfront.

CHRIS69 is also likely right that a smaller museum, even with such a great artifact (you know, the boat!), is likely to limit itself unnecessarily. a maritime or firefighting museum is a natural fit. of course, both of which already exist in town.

btw, check out the old DLW elevated right of way in the background of the historic pic.

im hoping that the friends of the Cotter have or will seek some museum expertise. if you need some initial suggestions, i, or some museum hoodlums i know could help.

additionally, there are some other fireboat museums and interpretive centers. although not the same animal since the Cotter is an active fireboat, it would be helpful to contact other like groups.

id also like to know what were the city's reservations. was it a liability issue? what ever the problem, is there a way to accommodate all parties?

Great Idea this boat is a treasure and should have a great home. Check out this photo that I took a couple years ago and is featured on google earth. www.panoramio.com/photo/5068598

Why not move the Buffalo Fire Historical Society museum to a close proximity to this reworked firestation and the boat? As far as I know that museum is kinda off the beaten path.This location is within relatively close distance to the inner harbor and cobblestone districts and the casino. Lets get this in the fold as a big attraction to build the critical mass in the area and make it an interesting district with alot to see and do. The Cotter is a great resource!!!

on what PaulBuffalo was saying:

I couldnt agree more that the name Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society makes one think of decrepit old men sitting around in armchairs wearing smoking jackets surrounded by cobweb covered tomes. the shorthand bechs is even worse. what out of town visitor would ever consider visiting a place with such a dusty name?

what is wrong with "Buffalo History Museum"?

on the undisplayed items in their collection: every museum uses discretion in exhibiting their collection in a good coherent manner. well, every good museum (frankly, there are too many museums around town that could use a bit more discretion). dont get me started on a collections management plan.

there are items in collections that should never have been accepted into a collection and have no real function for the institution and will never be displayed. there are some items that will never be displayed because they are too fragile/damaged/difficult to present to the public. there are the lost items in the collection that records never existed for or never were property accessioned into the collection.

the vast majority of items are on hold. waiting for that exhibit, that scholar to make it relevant. most museums only display a tiny tiny fraction of what they own.

however, some museums do something very interesting with these items. they have open collections where a portion of the collection is stored in secure cases with limited text. its sort of a grandma's attic sort of effect. cool and interesting artifacts semi-grouped together.

the up side is it is much less expensive than most exhibits and it still allows public interaction with their heritage.

sorry about the museums studies monologue