The Niagara Area Historical Museum this summer hosted a special unveiling of the “Print Communications in Niagara” exhibit. Special guests Dorothy Boerner Occhietti of Iron Mountain and her nephew, Douglas Anderson of Marquette, show off the 1909 Chandler & Price letterpress that her father, Martin Boerner, used when he ran The Niagara Journal.

NIAGARA, Wis. — The Niagara Area Historical Museum has unveiled its special “Print Communications in Niagara” exhibit.

The event celebrated a vital chapter in local history, as the daughter of the local newspaper’s founder, Dorothy Boerner Occhietti, and her nephew, Douglas Anderson, took center stage as honored guests.

Martin Boerner founded The Niagara Journal and produced the newspaper for 50 years.

Attendees explored the thoughtfully curated display, pausing with reverence before the exhibit’s signature piece, the 1909 Chandler & Price letterpress. The remarkable machine, once operated by Boerner, played a pivotal role in the community, printing newspaper, posters, fliers and cards for countless customers.

The visit not only honored a family legacy, but also brought to life the enduring impact of print communication in the area, Niagara Area Historical Society member Darleen Kadulski said.

The new exhibit was researched and developed by local historian Bruce Redmond.