Experiencing History With You

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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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.

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Picture Store

Browse our extensive photo collection and decorate your home or office with classic Buffalo images.

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View Full Calendar

On This Day In Buffalo

Saturday, August 15

Forest Lawn Cemetery dedicated, 1850

National Convention of Colored Citizens opens, 1843

Vine St. AME Church, Buffalo, NY

Interurban trolley service opens between Buffalo & Lockport, 1898

Buffalo Female Academy opens, 1851

Now Buffalo Seminary

Sunday, August 16

Sisters Hospital cornerstone laid, 1875

Main & Humboldt

Groundbreaking for the Peace Bridge, 1925

1 M&T Plaza dedicated, 1968

M&T Center, 345 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

First 4-alarm fire in Buffalo, Cypher's Incubator Co., 1912

Fourth & Court St., Buffalo, NY

Monday, August 17

Rose Garden completed, 1917

Delaware Park, Buffalo, NY, USA

Buffalo's first playground opens, 1901

Army Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Groundbreaking for the Peace Bridge, 1925

Tuesday, August 18

Ralph Wilson Stadium renamed New Era Field, 2016

Buffalo Jills Cheerleaders incorporated, 1989

Pilot Doug Corrigan visits Buffalo, 1938

Buffalo Niagara International Airport, 4200 Genesee St, Cheektowaga, NY 14225, USA

Gov. Pataki transfers Niagara Falls Convention Center to Seneca Nation for use as a casino, 2003

Wednesday, August 19

Vietnam War protestors "Buffalo Nine" arrested, 1968

Joseph Ellicott dies, 1826

New York City

Fran Striker, author of Lone Ranger scripts, born in Buffalo, 1903

World Record set for largest bowl ever made, 2019

Erie County Fair & Exposition, 5600 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg, NY 14075, USA