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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05/30/2026

Sold Out: Votes, Voices, and Victory: A Buffalo Tour Celebrating Suffragists with Shea’s & SUFFS

06/03/2026

Building the City of Good Neighbors: The History of Immigrants in Buffalo

06/06/2026

Pan-American Walking Tour

06/09/2026

Memory Cafe

06/10/2026

East Presbyterian (Colored) Church: The Forgotten Congregation

06/11/2026

Paint the Town

06/19/2026

M&T Third Friday Juneteenth

06/19/2026

M&T Third Friday

06/19/2026

Juneteenth Junior History Buffs

06/19/2026

Juneteenth Junior History Buffs

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

Wednesday, May 27

Demolition begins on Castle Inn, former residence of Millard Fillmore, 1921

Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Cornerstone is Laid for New St. Stanislaus Church, 1883

COVID-19 death count in Erie County passes 500, 2020

Thursday, May 28

Walk-In-The-Water launched, 1818

Black Rock, Buffalo, NY, USA

Michigan Street Baptist Church founded, 1837

Bishop Richard J. Malone arrives in Buffalo, 2012

Dr. Ebenezer Johnson Named First Mayor of Buffalo, 1832

Friday, May 29

First commencement of the University of Buffalo Law School, 1889

Lackawanna, NY chartered as a city, 1909

East High School dedicated, 1928

820 Northampton St, Buffalo, NY 14211, USA

Housewives blockade Lester Street, 1958

Lester Street, Lester St, Buffalo, NY 14210, USA

Saturday, May 30

Teens riot aboard the S.S. Canadiana, 1956

S.S. Canadiana launches, 1910

Jesse Clipper Square dedicated, 1935

Vice President George H.W. Bush gives speech, 1981

Sunday, May 31

Albright Art Gallery dedicated, 1905

Newspaper publisher Andrew Smitherman flees the Tulsa Massacre, 1921

Knights of the Ku Klux Klan file for incorporation, 1923

Old Erie County Hall, 92 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

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