Author and Photographer Diane Andrasik will speak as part of the Chautauqua County History Lecture Series about a new book published by The Historical Society of Dunkirk that features her photography. The book, titled Dunkirk Then and Now: Three Critical Streets, explores three main North-South streets in Dunkirk: Central Ave., Main St., and Washington Ave. Considered among the most important north-south thoroughfares in the city, the three came into being with different names: Center St., Buffalo St., and Lion St. The book focuses on the changes Dunkirk has experienced over the decades, including the loss of critical commercial, private and historic structures, often to be replaced with smaller more modern buildings or, in some cases, nothing at all. For example, the photos shown in the gallery to the left depict St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum on Washington St. in 1870, during its demolition in 1955, and the building on the same site today, which houses Chautauqua Rural Ministry. The book and this talk were inspired by a 2018 lecture and photo exhibit of historic photographs of important locations juxtaposed against the same locations today. Copies of the book will be available for sale at this presentation with all proceeds benefitting The Historical Society of Dunkirk. Andrasik currently is the City Historian for Dunkirk. A retired Dunkirk High School English Teacher, she is an ardent community supporter. Her tireless efforts often focus on the Historical Society of Dunkirk and beautification projects within the City. A professional photographer, and a photography instructor at Chautauqua Institution, she also published Images of America: Dunkirk, which is available on Amazon. Free Admission (Donations Accepted)