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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07/05/2025

Pan-Am Walking Tour

07/08/2025

Memory Cafe

07/10/2025

Drawing Support for Local Journalism

07/17/2025

Behind the Scenes Tour

07/18/2025

Junior History Buffs

07/18/2025

M&T Third Friday

07/18/2025

Party on the Portico – the Funkensteins featuring nico zarcone

07/23/2025

Waterway of Change Book Club

07/31/2025

AAARIA Presents – SANKOFA: Africans in America Before Columbus

08/02/2025

Pan-Am 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, July 1

Eagle Theater opens, 1835

Eagle Street near Main

Main St. first lighted by electricity, 1882

Main Street, Buffalo, NY, United States

Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra incorporated, 1936

St. Joseph's Cathedral dedicated, 1855

Franklin St.

Wednesday, July 2

Buffalo Marine Airport dedicated, 1932

Foot of Georgia St. in present-day LaSalle park

National League of American Wheelman holds annual convention in Buffalo, 1885

Canalside formally dedicated & opened to the public, 2008

Canalside

Missouri Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Thursday, July 3

Women's Wheel & Athletic Club founded, 1888

Lounge singer Lance Diamond born, 1935

The New York State Building informally opens to the public, 1901

Pan-American Exposition

Telegraph service begins in Buffalo, 1846

Friday, July 4

74th Regiment Armory cornerstone laid, 1885

Elmwod & Virginia St.

Parade House dedicated in Humboldt (Now Martin Luther King) Park, 1876

Ground broken for Erie Canal, 1817

Rome, NY, USA

Connecticut St. (74th Regiment) Armory cornerstone laid, 1898

Connecticut Street, Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY 14213, USA

Saturday, July 5

Sisters Hospital incorporated, 1848

Virginia St.

NY State Building opens, Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Delaware Park

Transfiguration Church dedicated, 1897

State Reservation at Niagara Falls established, 1995

Niagara Falls, NY