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.

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02/15/2026

Lincoln’s Birthday Celebration

02/18/2026

3rd Annual Presidential Palooza

02/18/2026

Colored Musicians Club: The Evolution of Jazz

02/19/2026

Trivia Night

02/20/2026

M&T Third Friday

02/20/2026

Junior History Buffs

02/20/2026

First Ladies Nite

02/21/2026

Voices for Freedom: African American History in Buffalo Tour

03/04/2026

Treaties and Tribulations: A History of the Tonawanda Reservation

03/07/2026

International Women’s Empowerment Day Dinner

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.

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On This Day In Buffalo

Thursday, February 12

First Presbyterian organized-1st church in Buffalo, 1812

New York to Paris automobile race begins, 1908

First Lincoln birthday celebration held, 1874

St. James, Hall, Eagle Street, Buffalo

Bishop John Timon born, 1797

Conewago Township, PA, USA

Friday, February 13

Colgan Flight 3407 crashes, 2009

Clarence, NY, USA

UB School of Education founded, 1931

Holland Land Company Established, 1796

Saturday, February 14

St. Luke's dedicated, 1909

John Gaffney executed by hanging by Sheriff Grover Cleveland, 1873

Faith Missionary Baptist Church incorporated, 1955

626 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14211, USA

Socony-Vacuum Oil Co. on Elk St. burns, 1948

Sunday, February 15

Harold Arlen born, 1905

Launch of Uncrowned Queens website, 2001

Buffalo German Insurance Co. incorporated, 1867

Lackawanna Steel Co. incorporated, 1902

Monday, February 16

Booker T. Washington gives talk, 1926

Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14211, United States

Dr. Pierce's Palace Hotel destroyed by fire, 1881

Porter near Niagara

Abraham Lincoln gives campaign speech, 1861

American Hotel

Actress Katharine Cornell born, 1893

AAM Accredited Museum Badge