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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02/04/2026

Happy Hour History: It Is Up to Us

02/07/2026

“Return to the Rainbow City” Indoor Walking Tour

02/10/2026

Memory Cafe

02/15/2026

Lincoln’s Birthday Celebration

02/18/2026

3rd Annual Presidential Palooza

02/19/2026

Trivia Night

02/20/2026

M&T Third Friday

02/20/2026

Junior History Buffs

02/21/2026

Voices for Freedom: African American History in Buffalo Tour

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

Sunday, January 25

Buffalo Creek Railroad incorporated, 1869

American Hotel destroyed by fire, 2nd time, 1865

Main near Eagle

Sattlers closes and files for bankruptcy, 1982

998 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14212, USA

Jersey St. Methodist Episcopal Church destroyed by fire, 1873

Monday, January 26

Iron Island Preservation Society incorporated, 1994

Buffalo Bills lose Superbowl XXVI to Washington Redskins, 1992

Minneapolis Metrodome

Buffalo Creek Railroad founded, 1869

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper incorporated, 1989

Tuesday, January 27

Methodist Church dedicated, 1819

Frankin St.

Honeymoon Bridge collapses, 1938

Niagara Falls

Blizzard of '77 begins, 1977

Buffalo Bills lose Superbowl XXV to New York Giants, 1991

Tampa Stadium

Wednesday, January 28

YMCA dedicated, 1884

Mohawk, Pearl and Genesee

Henry Jackson becomes 1st Buffalo firefighter to die in the line of duty, 1854

John T. Noyes factory, Washington & Scott St.

Evangelist Billy Sunday starts a series of revival rallies in Buffalo, 1917

East Ferry Street, E Ferry St, Buffalo, NY, USA

Thursday, January 29

St. Adalbert's Church burned, 1889

Polish Cadets incorporated, 1914

Black Rock Post Office opens, 1817

Niagara St. near West Ferry

Hanna Furnace closes down, 1982

AAM Accredited Museum Badge