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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12/11/2025

Cancelled: December Trivia

12/18/2025

Colored Musicians Club: A Tribute to Quincy Jones

12/19/2025

M&T Third Friday

12/19/2025

Tinsel & Trades

12/31/2025

Noon Year’s Eve: A Countdown Through Time

01/03/2026

“Return to the Rainbow City” Indoor Walking Tour

01/16/2026

M&T Third Friday

02/07/2026

“Return to the Rainbow City” Indoor Walking Tour

02/20/2026

M&T Third Friday

03/14/2026

“Return to the Rainbow City” Indoor Walking Tour

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

Tuesday, December 9

St. Agnes Church dedicated, 1883

194 Ludington, Buffalo

Schoellkopf Bridge dedicated, 1908

Niagara Falls, NY, USA

Burchfield Penney Art Center dedicated, 1966

Elmwood Avenue Starbucks cafe becomes the first unionized Starbucks in the US, 2021

Wednesday, December 10

First library organized in Buffalo, 1816

Buffalo Teachers Federation incorporated, 1935

Former President Bill Clinton attends Sabres game, 2008

Dr. Gerty Cori becomes first American woman scientist to win the Nobel Prize, 1947

Thursday, December 11

Charity Organization Society founded, 1877

Buffalo Launch Club incorporated, 1904

Sacred Heart of Mary Orphan Asylum incorporated, 1895

Cheektowaga, NY, USA

Father Hennepin celebrates the first mass on the Niagara Frontier, 1678

Niagara Falls, Ontario, USA

Friday, December 12

St. Joseph University RC Church dedicated, 1926

Buffalo General Hospital incorporated, 1855

First Presbyterian Society buys land for a church, 1820

Saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. born, 1943

Buffalo, NY, USA

Saturday, December 13

Buffalo Inner-City Ballet Company incorporated, 1972

Former President Grover Cleveland attends banquet, 1889

Death of Dominic Cocco, 1948

Joni Mitchell performs, 1969

Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Cir, Buffalo, NY 14201, USA

AAM Accredited Museum Badge