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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11/19/2025

Shakespeare in Delaware Park & University Express Present “Romeo & Juliet”

11/21/2025

M&T Third Friday

11/21/2025

Junior History Buffs

11/21/2025

The Erie Canal in Our Lives: Contemporary Connections to the Canal

11/28/2025

5th Annual Makers Market

11/29/2025

5th Annual Makers Market

12/03/2025

Happy Hour History: Evening with Brian Higgins

12/06/2025

Terrakwa Exhibit Meet and Greet

12/09/2025

Memory Cafe

12/10/2025

Happy Hour History: “The 1964 Buffalo Bills: Profiles of the AFL Champions” Book Talk

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, November 13

Wheeler grain elevator destroyed by fire, 1888

Buffalo Yacht Club destroyed by fire, 1951

Foot of Porter Avenue

Buffalo experiences a dust storm, 1933

Kanazawa adopted as Buffalo sister city, 1962

Friday, November 14

Fire destroys over 50 downtown buildings, 1832

Exchange, Seneca, Pearl, Main, and Washington Streets

Eagle Tavern destroyed by fire, 1849

Temple Beth Zion founded, 1850

Club Marcella incorporated, 1994

Saturday, November 15

Buffalo Orphan Asylum founded, 1835

The Who performs in Buffalo, 1969

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

Buffalo Athletic Club opens to the public, 1923

Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

First transmission of electricity from Niagara Falls to Buffalo, 1896

From Niagara Falls to Buffalo

Sunday, November 16

Ripley Memorial Methodist Church dedicated, 1887

221 East Street Buffalo, NY 14207-2720

First electricity from Niagara Falls reaches Buffalo, 1896

First football game played in Buffalo, 1889

Olympic Park ball grounds, presently the site of Performing Arts School

Friendship Train stops in Buffalo, 1947

Monday, November 17

McDonald's restaurant opens, Amherst, 1959

Niagara Falls Blvd, north of Maple Rd., Amherst, NY

U.B. Spectrum, student newspaper, begins publication, 1950

University at Buffalo - South Campus, Harriman Hall, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA

Blizzard drops up to 5 feet of snow on South Buffalo & the South Towns, 2014