The Buffalo History Museum

Waterway of Change

Visit Us at Canalside

This exhibit invites visitors to explore the transformative story of the Erie Canal. It begins with the traditional homeland of the Haudenosaunee and the canal’s opening in 1825, tracing how it helped turn Buffalo into a bustling port and shipping hub by the late 19th century.

It also highlights the diverse perspectives of Indigenous Peoples, Black individuals, women, and immigrant communities affected by the canal’s development, offering a richer understanding of its cultural and historical significance.

Join Us

View All Events

01/07/2026

Our Stadium, Our Stories

01/13/2026

Memory Cafe

01/14/2026

Re-Wedding of the Waters: The Seneca Chief’s Bicentennial Journey

01/16/2026

M&T Third Friday

01/16/2026

Junior History Buffs

01/22/2026

Trivia Night

02/07/2026

“Return to the Rainbow City” Indoor Walking Tour

02/19/2026

Trivia Night

02/20/2026

Junior History Buffs

02/20/2026

M&T Third Friday

Shop Uniquely Buffalo Gifts

Museum Shop

Find a variety of gifts in-person at our Museum Shop as well as a selection of gifts in our online store.

Picture Store

Browse our extensive photo collection and decorate your home or office with classic Buffalo images.

View Full Calendar

On This Day In Buffalo

Saturday, January 3

St. Paul's Cathedral reopened, 1890

Actor Jesse (Maytag repairman) White born, 1917

Buffalo, NY, USA

Mayor Byron Brown signs Green Code into law, 2017

One Seneca Tower, 1 HSBC Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

Congresswoman Winifred Stanley takes office, 1943

Washington, DC, USA

Sunday, January 4

Lounge singer Lance Diamond dies, 2015

Soviet-Sabres hockey game, 1976

Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, NY

Final game at Highmark Stadium, 2026

Highmark Stadium, 1 Bills Dr, Orchard Park, NY 14127, USA

Monday, January 5

St. Louis Roman Catholic Church founded, 1829

Holy Angels Academy destroyed by fire, 1879

Porter Avenue, Porter Ave, Buffalo, NY, USA

Former President William H. Taft is guest of honor, 1917

First Demonstration of FM Radio, 1940

Tuesday, January 6

Buffalo Bisons incorporated, 1943

Elbert Hubbard tenders his resignation from the Larkin Company, 1893

William Hodge rebuilds house after British fire, 1814

Buffalo, NY, USA

Prohibition takes effect, 1920

Wednesday, January 7

WBFO's First Day on the Air, 1959

Millard Fillmore born, 1800

AAM Accredited Museum Badge