Today, November 14, is an important day in this area's history.  It was exactly 130 years ago that the Erie Humane Society was founded.  A lot of documents and photographs have been saved over that 130 year period.  They tell the story of the wonderful contributions the organization has made since 1892.

Probably the most interesting fact about the agency is that when it was first founded, it focused on more than just animals.

"This organization was actually founded to investigate crimes of animal abuse, elder abuse, and child abuse,” says Nicole Leone, Executive Director.
  

Nicole is the 17th executive director of the Erie Humane Society.  She loves to explore the history of her organization.  Her predecessors made it easy for her.  Much of the history is documented in pictures, letters, and newspaper stories packed away in a big box.  Nicole marvels at the work done by those who came before her.

"The big plans that they had.  The conversations that are documented from board meetings they had with board members about the growth, the expansion, and the love for the mission. It's absolutely amazing,” she says.  

The Erie Humane Society's first shelter was located at 17th and French Streets.  The organization moved to West 38th Street in 1957 at a building located across from the Erie Zoo.  By that time, the local humane society had begun to focus solely on the welfare of animals. Government agencies were finally taking care of elder abuse and child abuse cases.

"That's really why I took this position at the Erie Humane Society.  What blew me away was this real history of us, our board of directors, our staff, our executive directors, over time helping save animal lives and finding them amazing homes,” says Nicole.  

The Erie Humane Society is now located at a modern facility on Zimmerly Road in Millcreek. There are some antiques. There’s a book, dating back to 1921, listing dog license registrations.  Also, there's an ink stamper that Nicole's predecessors used to apply the official seal of the organization.

"It was two things that when I came into my office and assumed my role, they were in the closet.  Now I have them on my shelf.  I think it's remarkable,” she said.  

The Erie Humane Society is asking the public to help celebrate the 130th Anniversary. It's asking people to post photographs of past adoptions on the agency’s Facebook page. The response, like the organization, has been incredible.

A video is being made of all the adoption pictures submitted to the Facebook page.  It will be available on all Erie Humane Society social media, including You Tube.  Some of those pictures go back several decades.