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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09/17/2025

Historic Places in Buffalo & WNY Book Launch with author Rick Falkowski

09/19/2025

M&T Third Friday

09/19/2025

Junior History Buffs

09/19/2025

Trivia Night

09/24/2025

Civil War Roundtable

10/01/2025

Happy Hour History: Ghost Stories of Buffalo

10/02/2025

Drag Docent

10/04/2025

Terrakwa Exhibit Meet and Greet

10/04/2025

Pan-Am Walking Tour

10/04/2025

Buffalo: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

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, September 14

Theodore Roosevelt takes oath of office, 1901

The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, 641 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202, United States

McKinley monument dedicated, 1906

Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Devil's Hole Massacre takes place, 1763

Niagara gorge

Bee Gees perform in Buffalo, 1979

Memorial Auditorium

Monday, September 15

Buffalo Hispanic Association incorporated, 1977

Buffalo Female Academy opens, 1851

Johnson Park, Buffalo, NY, USA

Ararat stone dedicated, 1825

Grand Island, NY, USA

Eduard L. A. Pausch Takes Death Mask of McKinley, 1901

Tuesday, September 16

Kinzua Dam dedicated, 1966

Ground broken for Buffalo City Hall, 1929

Niagara Square

Buffalo City Watch Founded, 1834

McKinley Funeral Train Arrives in Washington, DC, 1901

Wednesday, September 17

Great Gorge Route closes due to major landslide, 1935

Niagara Falls, NY, USA

Frederick Douglass gives speech at National Liberty Party Convention, 1851

Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY, USA

McKinley Funeral Services Held in Capitol Rotunda, 1901

Socialistic Labor Party holds national convention, 1887

Buffalo, NY, USA

Thursday, September 18

St. Adalbert's Basilica celebrates final mass, 2011

St. Adalberts Basilica

Third International Congress of Nurses opens, 1901

Pan-American Exposition

McKinley’s Remains Arrive in Canton, OH, 1901

Erie County Jail opens, 1878

10 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA