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

11/29/2025

5th Annual Makers Market

12/03/2025

Happy Hour History: Evening with Brian Higgins

12/06/2025

Terrakwa Exhibit Meet and Greet

12/06/2025

“Return to the Rainbow City” Indoor Walking Tour

12/09/2025

Memory Cafe

12/10/2025

Re-Accreditation Celebration

12/10/2025

Happy Hour History: “The 1964 Buffalo Bills: Profiles of the AFL Champions” Book Talk

12/11/2025

December Trivia

12/18/2025

Colored Musicians Club: A Tribute to Quincy Jones

12/19/2025

M&T Third Friday

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

Thursday, November 27

"Howdy Doody" TV host Buffalo Bob Smith born, 1917

Beth Zion congregation founded, 1850

Miles Davis begins a week-long appearance, 1967

Royal Arms, 19 W. Utica, Buffalo, N Y

Arthur Conan Doyle gives talk, 1894

Friday, November 28

Historian Frank H. Severance born, 1856

Cape Ann, Rockport, MA 01966, USA

Emma Goldman gives speech, 1897

Concert Hall

Edwin P. Christy born, 1851

Philadelphia, PA, USA

Gambling Raid at the Little Harlem Hotel, 1962

496 Michigan Ave, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

Saturday, November 29

Sunday, November 30

Memorial Auditorium cornerstone laid, 1939

Mark Twain born, 1835

WKBW-TV begins broadcasting, 1958

Welland Canal opens, 1829

Welland Canal, Ontario, Canada

Monday, December 1

St. Francis Hospital incorporated, 1927

City of Buffalo petitions Congress for sea wall construction, 1837

Emma Goldman gives speech, 1897

Spiritualist Temple

Ban on Sunday Theater Performances Lifted, 1925

AAM Accredited Museum Badge