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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10/17/2025

M&T Third Friday

10/17/2025

Junior History Buffs

10/17/2025

A Latina Mosaic: Stories of Culture and Strength

10/18/2025

Pan-Am Walking Tour

10/18/2025

The Art of Storytelling and Shadow Theater

10/20/2025

Waterway of Change Book Club

10/23/2025

Trivia Night

10/27/2025

BOE Candidate Forum

10/30/2025

The Home Within

11/01/2025

Community Day

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

Wednesday, October 15

Buffalo Sabres play their first game, 1970

Memorial Auditorium

Bethlehem Steel closes, 1982

Lackawanna, NY, USA

Methodist Episcopal trustees buy land for a church, 1821

Columbia Roller Rink opens, 1887

941 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14204, USA

Thursday, October 16

Town of West Seneca established, 1851

Thruway Plaza opens, 1952

Cheektowaga, NY

Cornerstone laid for Buffalo Museum of Science, 1926

Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14211, United States

Vice President Richard Nixon gives speech in Buffalo, 1956

Friday, October 17

Buffalo Lighthouse Association incorporated, 1985

President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicates federal courthouse, 1936

Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Buffalo Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. born, 1918

Detroit, MI, USA

Buffalo & Erie County Public Library dedicated, 1964

1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

Saturday, October 18

SUNY BCN opens, first known online search service, 1968

Bottlers' Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Sunday, October 19

Cat named Lagara survives plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel, 1901

Association for the Advancement of Women holds its 9th congress, 1881

Buffalo, NY, USA

Buffalo Convention Center opens, 1978

Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Town of Grand Island established, 1852