The new feature at the Niagara Historical Museum’s second property was a gift from Niagara native Jim Zukowski of California, who dedicated the piece in memory of the late Jill Ann Klenke Smith.

“It’s just magnificent — it speaks serenity,” Niagara Area Historical Society President Karen Klenke said after seeing the sign in-person for the first time.

“It’s a perfect addition to welcome everyone into this beautiful, peaceful space,” she adds.

The artwork was done by his granddaughter and graphic artist Ellie Zukowski of Portland, Maine, who came up with the design after a lake visit.

TODD ZUKOWSKI AND Karen Klenke discuss plans to develop the “Serenity Woods” park. Behind them is park project leader Steve Zigman; and Dan Bal, Bob Sauld and Shawn Fischer of CJ Graphics. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“I was looking at the branches that hung over the water and started to do a sketch from that,” she said. “I tried to make it simple and serene.”

The design was carved into a hand-selected piece of Brazilian walnut by Jim Zukowski’s friend and woodworker, Ken Goddard of Seattle, Wash.

The hardwood sign weighs about 55 pounds and comes from a rainforest in South America, said Jim’s son, Todd Zukowski.

“This sign has been across the country,” he said.

After Goddard finished the work on the 49-by-24-inch wood piece, he personally delivered it to Jim’s residence in California, Todd Zukowski said. Ellie Zukowski drove it to Monterey, Calif., where she was living at the time. It was then loaded into her boyfriend’s car that was being shipped to Maine.

Todd and Lisa Zukowski made the trip last week to deliver the finished artwork from Maine to Niagara.

He noted that his father loves his hometown and wished he could be present for the event.

“Jim (Zukowski) has been a strong spirit for Niagara over the years,” Klenke said. “And for about the last eight years, he has taken a strong hold, helping with many projects and events.”

Installation will be completed by Shawn Fischer of CJ Graphics by early October. He, along with park project leader Steve Zigman and volunteer Dan Bal of Niagara, have been working on plans for its display. They will also add more collected bluff rocks for its landscaping.

The sign will be here for generations to come, Klenke said, adding, “It’s strong and resilient.”

The Niagara Area Historical Society will host a “soft opening” from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at the park.

This will not be its official grand opening, Klenke said, but a chance for everyone to see the new additions and the progress being made to “Serenity Woods.”

The group plans to sell its personalized commemorative bricks at that time. The bricks will be installed in May along the walkway, as well as the pond.

“We are encouraging the community to think of gifts — remember their family, pets or even an important event in their lives,” Klenke said. “You can get creative with your brick information.”

Commemorative brick orders forms are available online or at the museum through Jan. 15.

Klenke purchased the property in the early 1990s for her photography sessions, and in recent years donated it to the museum for developing a historical park.

She said the “welcome sign” is just another step closer to completion, and they will continue to develop it to be a quiet, beautiful space.

“We have accomplished great things already, with more to come,” Klenke said. “The focus remains to keep it serene.”

The museum’s historical corner will be open 24/7 for the community to visit.