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.

Join Us

View All Events

01/16/2026

M&T Third Friday

01/16/2026

Junior History Buffs

01/22/2026

Trivia Night

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

Junior History Buffs

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.

View Full Calendar

On This Day In Buffalo

Wednesday, January 14

Our Lady of Lourdes dedicated, 1900

John R. Oishei Foundation incorporated, 1941

Mission School opens, 1823

Cattaraugus Reservation, NY, USA

Doomed stadium for Bills & Sabres anouced, 1970

Lancaster, NY, USA

Thursday, January 15

Buffalo Morning Express newspaper begins publishing, 1846

Bak USA opens headquarters in Buffalo, 2015

425 Michigan Ave.

Buffalo City Hall added to the National Register, 1999

Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

First Treaty of Buffalo Creek signed, 1838

Friday, January 16

Home for the Friendless incorporated, 1868

1500 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14209, USA

Ballplayer Jimmy Collins born, 1870

Niagara Falls, NY, USA

New York State Canal System named a National Historic Landmark, 2016

Prohibition goes into effect, 1920

Saturday, January 17

First regular air mail service begins, 1927

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

Buffalo Fire Historical Society chartered, 1984

Hotel Lenox construction begins, 1897

First episode of "Meet the Millers" airs, 1950

Sunday, January 18

Milton Rogovin dies, 2011

Buffalo, NY, USA

Buffalo Evening Times loses two buildings in a fire, 1920

Storm hits, 77mph winds, 0 temp, 1885

First Statler Hotel opens, 1908

Washington & Swan

AAM Accredited Museum Badge