Nikola Tesla "is the one who electrified our civilization," Lestingi said. In 1897, Tesla stunned the world when he figured out how to use alternating current to transmit hydroelectric power from the cataracts of Niagara Falls to the City of Buffalo.

"He was able, with his invention of the induction motor and the consequent generator, to produce electricity using alternating electricity which can be delivered hundreds and thousands of miles," Lestingi said. His more famous competitor, Thomas Edison, popularized direct current, Lestingi said, which can travel only one mile. Despite his contributions to science and technology, Tesla died penniless in a New York City hotel.

The Tesla statue is scheduled to be officially unveiled July 10, which would mark the inventor's 163rd birthday.

Leading up to unveiling, the Buffalo Niagara Nikola Tesla Council, to which Lestingi and McGee both belong, are organizing a series of community events.

Among them are two lectures Lestingi will give: one at 6 p.m. Feb. 27 in the Buffalo History Museum and one at 7 p.m. June 5 in the Buffalo Museum of Science.