"My family came here from Montreal for his job," said the teenager.

The move came before Garrison was born and although his grandfather passed away several years ago, he and his family still live in the same home.

Garrison's research is part of a new project by Ruby Smith and Adriana Jacobi of Heritage Arts Fort Erie.

From Bridge to Bridge will see artists and historians unite to capture historically significant locations between the Peace Bridge and the International Railway Bridge and any historic locations in between.

Smith, an art teacher for 37 years, said the area is rich with history, from the area of the old mill to the ferryboat landings around Bowen Road. She has engaged high school students to compile facts artists can use to capture the area, based on information in the Louis McDermott Historical Collection in the Centennial branch of the Fort Erie Public Library.

"To have the students involved is critical to our history. I think our kids in town should know the history," said Smith. "It's their heritage."

Smith and Jacobi will be on hand May 18 for an excursion with the artists and historians and everyone is invited to attend. The group will meet at Freedom Park at 2 p.m.

Smith is not only in search of more artists to participate, but also those who would like to accompany them on the excursion to talk about what was and reminisce.

"It's the old-timers who remember a lot of these places and we would love for them to come out, too."