A year ago, we featured the Second Coming House of Prophet Isaiah as one of the 111 Places in Buffalo That You Must Not Miss.
The artist, artisan, and self-proclaimed profit that dreamed up this intriguing art-laden destination in the North End of Niagara Falls – Isaiah Robertson – unfortunately passed away in 2020. Upon his passing, it was unclear what would happen to the revered house.
Fortunately, the Kohler Foundation purchased the home, which set into motion a significant preservation effort, led by B.R. Howard & Associates.
To ensure that Robertson’s ‘Second Coming House’ would be enjoyed by the community, as it had in the past, the property and artworks were ultimately gifted to the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (NFNHA). As the long-term steward of the cultural gem, the plan was not only to restore and maintain the property, but to re-envision the compound, located within the Highland Community, as “a community-driven heritage center.”
Next steps for the “community-driven heritage center” entail plans to create a multi-use community and artist space in the backyard and interior spaces of the House, according to the NFNHA. The organization, along with the Kohler Foundation, B.R. Howard & Associates, and distinguished guests, now invite the community to attend the Opening Weekend of Prophet Isaiah Robertson’s Second Coming House.
On Friday, August 9, 2024, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area will host partners, elected officials, stakeholders, and media for a press conference, private tours and an invite-only reception.
Following, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, the public is invited to visit the House from 10am-4pm, followed by an RSVP-required evening reception in the backyard from 5pm-9pm.
10am-4pm – Open to the Public: The public is invited to experience the site with Niagara Falls National Heritage Area staff on hand to answer questions, discuss the project, and offer insight on how this unique art environment came to be.
5pm-9pm – Evening Reception: Join us for food and drink on site to celebrate this remarkable community treasure. Registration is required to attend the evening reception as space is limited, and will close once capacity is reached. To register, visit discoverniagara.org/pih.
Learn more about Prophet Isaiah Robertson, the project, and how to visit (1308 Ontario Avenue), by clicking on the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area’s website. And check out the flyer below for pertinent details for the grand opening weekend.
The post Grand Opening Weekend: Second Coming House of Prophet Isaiah appeared first on Buffalo Rising.