Historic Donation Brings Rare 1698 Book to Niagara Falls History Museum

NIAGARA FALLS, ON - The City of Niagara Falls History Museum is set to receive a rare piece of history, thanks to a generous gift from Bob and Vera Gale.

The couple is donating a rare 1698 edition of A New Discovery of a Vast Country in America, written by French missionary and explorer Father Louis Hennepin. The book holds significant historical and monetary value and includes the first known written description and illustration of Niagara Falls recorded by a European.

The museum will formally receive the donation on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. 

The book, published in London in 1698, describes Hennepin's travels through the Great Lakes region with French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. Their journey started in 1678 and eventually reached the Mississippi River.

Hennepin's account became widely popular across Europe, inspiring generations of travellers and explorers to visit Niagara Falls. His early illustration helped introduce the natural wonder to audiences around the world, long before photography existed. The donated book is thought to be a rare first issue of the 1698 English edition, making it a valuable addition to the City's museum collection.

The City of Niagara Falls thanks Bob and Vera Gale for their generosity and for helping to preserve an important part of the city's history for future generations.

For more information, please contact:

Suzanne Moase
Manager of Museums and Heritage
City of Niagara Falls
smoase@niagarafalls.ca