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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10/20/2025

Waterway of Change Book Club

10/23/2025

Trivia Night

10/27/2025

BOE Candidate Forum

10/30/2025

The Home Within

11/01/2025

Community Day

11/01/2025

Terrakwa Exhibit Meet and Greet

11/02/2025

Bunka No Hi

11/05/2025

College Night at The Buffalo History Museum

11/11/2025

Memory Cafe

11/13/2025

Trivia Night

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

Saturday, October 18

SUNY BCN opens, first known online search service, 1968

Bottlers' Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Sunday, October 19

Cat named Lagara survives plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel, 1901

Association for the Advancement of Women holds its 9th congress, 1881

Buffalo, NY, USA

Buffalo Convention Center opens, 1978

Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Town of Grand Island established, 1852

Monday, October 20

Skyway opens, 1955

Buffalo waterfront

Presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan addresses large crowd, 1900

The Broadway Market, 999 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14212, USA

Storm on Lake Erie sinks 27 ships, 1905

Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village dedicated, 1973

Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, 3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd, Amherst, NY 14228, USA

Tuesday, October 21

St. Columba cornerstone laid, 1888

Presidential candidate Warren Harding campaigns in Buffalo, 1920

Broadway Auditorium

WPA Workers Strike for Higher Wages in Buffalo, 1935

Saturn Club founded, 1885

Wednesday, October 22

Cartoonist Tom Toles born, 1951

Buffalo, NY, USA

Niagara Frontier Industrial Exposition opens, 1923

Broadway Auditorium

Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, African-American soprano, debuts in Buffalo, 1851

Townsend Hall, Main & Swan

50,988 fans attend Bennett-Kensington football game, 1948

Civic Stadium, 1100 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14208, USA