A small Niagara Falls museum receives a big donation.

But for staff members, the gift is bittersweet, because it was left in the will of a long-time volunteer and history buff.

Its not every day the Willoughby Historical Museum receives a donation, and certainly not one that exceeds $90,000.

The gift was bequeathed by Marie Henry, who died in july of 2016 at 73-years-old. She’d began volunteering at the museum in the mid-90s.

She and her husband Dale shared a love of history. The two collected artifacts and began the Willoughby Historical Society.

Located along the Niagara Parkway, the small one-room museum was converted from a former schoolhouse in 1968.

Containing artifacts that focus on the rural history of the area.

Some dating back to the War of 1812.

Visitors are invited to try on a reproduction of a soldier’s kit and handle a musket like the one that a soldier would have used.

Henry’s donation will go towards the improvement and maintenance of the museum.

Preserving history for generations to come.