WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY)
Christine Darrow, host and Executive Producer of Christine the History Queen, will make a special appearance at a Watch Party at the Seaway Visitor Center at Eisenhower Lock, 76 Barnhart Island Rd, on Saturday, May 9 at 1:00 PM as part of Massena Spring Fever Fest.
The event will feature a special screening of Darrow’s documentary highlighting Queen Elizabeth II’s historic 1959 visit to Massena for the dedication of the Eisenhower Lock, along with the story of a local Massena woman who recalls serving as a waitress at the Queen’s luncheon.
Christine the History Queen is a docu-series dedicated to uncovering the untold stories behind the history of Northern and Central New York. The series premiered in November 2025 on WPBS and has since aired on PBS stations nationwide, with a holiday special reaching major markets including Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and New York City. Season 2 is currently in production and is expected to air in November 2026.
A Massena native, Christine Darrow is a historian, actress, and author. Her appearance will include a meet-and-greet with autograph signing, a brief talk about her background, previews of upcoming events and Season 2, a 30-minute screening of the documentary, and a Q&A session.
“Few people realize just how pivotal Northern New York has been in shaping the history of the nation and the world,” says Darrow. “The Eisenhower Lock represents the literal passage between the United States and the rest of the world, and the visit by the Queen was a moment reflecting that.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new and old friends while celebrating the history of St. Lawrence County and the community of Massena,” said Ben Dixon, Executive Director of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. “We want to thank Christine Darrow, WPBS, Amy Stark, and the Seaway Visitor Center at Eisenhower Lock for making this unique experience available.”
“This special screening offers a powerful window into a remarkable moment in our region’s history—Queen Elizabeth II’s 1959 visit to Massena and the dedication of the Eisenhower Lock,” said Amy Stark, Visitor Center and Community Relations Manager. “Through firsthand memories, including those of a local resident who served at the Queen’s luncheon, we’re able to bring this story to life in a deeply personal and engaging way. We’re proud to create opportunities like this that connect our community to the Seaway’s legacy while inspiring new memories for generations to come.”
To learn more about this event, contact Amy Stark at 771-216-1580 or amy.stark@dot.gov. The event web page can be found at www.slcchamber.org.
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