It is the purpose of the Kenan Center to provide, promote and support integrated and comprehensive cultural and recreational programs to the community. This is accomplished by developing and enlarging individual appreciation and understanding of history, science, religion and the arts; and by encouraging an appreciation of our heritage and the understanding of its relevance to life as a whole.

Description:
The Kenan Center is a "living" center for all ages.

From toddlers on up to octogenarians, education at the Kenan Center is available to all-ages! The Kenan Center's Preschool helps little ones develop while the Commuinty Education program offers educational enrichment to all age groups. Our Arts and Education program brings hands-on visual and performing arts experiences to school students throughout the region.

Kenan's visual and performing arts offerings are many. The Kenan House Gallery, in the historic 1800's rose brick mansion, is open year round offering exhibits by local, regional and national artists FREE to the public.

One of the Kenan Center's biggest attractions each year is the 100 American Craftsmen festival, which takes place the weekend after memorial day. It is a juried show featuring contemporary arts and crafts from across the U.S. and Canada.

The Taylor Theater at the Kenan Center is an intimate space providing a range of entertainment. The converted carriage house holds 150 seats and a thrust stage. The Family Perfomance Series offers the best in children's programming by national and international performers at affordable prices. The Four Seasons Players, Kenan's resident theater troupe, stages three productions a year by renowned dramatists and local playwrights.

There are formal gardens on the grounds that often host weddings and a multitude of photographic opportunities throughout the summer.

The Kenan Arena is home to a variety of sports programs for children and adults, including one of the largest indoor youth soccer programs in the area. This year we are introducing volleyball and dodgeball leagues.

The 25-acre Kenan Campus is situated in beautiful Lockport, NY. It is designed for recreation and relaxation. Convenient benches under lush, mature trees provide cool refuge while expansive fields teem with young soccer players throughout the summer. In short, there is something here for everyone at the Kenan Center and volunteer opportunities are plentiful.

History:
Before his death in 1965, William Rand Kenan, Jr. (for whom the Kenan Center is named) deeded his home and property in Lockport, NY to the First Presyterian Church for development as a community center. Mr. Kenan, a well-known scientist, engineer, farmer and philanthropist, gave very generously to the City of Lockport during the 60 years that he called it home. Since the first gallery exhibit in 1966, the Kenan Center has strived to follow Mr Kenan's beliefs in supporting the community. Through the years the Kenan Center developed many programs around Mr. Kenan's love of education, the arts and sports & recreation. The Kenan Center offers over fifty diverse programs each year following Mr. Kenan's philosophy and philanthropy.

With the help of our summer interns we were able to put together history story boards. We are now in the process of creating an interactive history kiosk.

Contact people:

Christine Melchiorre, Program Manager, (phone), (email) Susan Przybyl, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

433 Locust Street Lockport, NY 14094 (See a map)

Directions:

From the Niagara Falls Area: Take Saunders Settlement Road (Rte 31) east to the City of Lockport. In Lockport, turn right onto Transit Road (Rte 78) and proceed south to Lincoln Avenue. Turn left onto Locust. Kenan Center. . . (more)