The second installment of our three-part series examines the final years leading up to America’s declaration of war in 1917, as tensions rise and the region deals with issues of ethnicity and preparedness.

Long before America went “over there,” Western New York had to cope with some unique realities in the opening years of the First World War. In part one of a three-part series, we look at a usually peaceful region during the years of true neutrality.

From the turn-of-the-century Aero Club through Curtiss-Wright warplanes and Bell helicopters to news of a new museum in Niagara Falls.

One of the most unique historical sites and national military treasure is filled with murals documenting the moments in history.