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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03/25/2026

The Erie Canal: Commerce. Community. Change

03/28/2026

The Life of a Buffalo Showgirl Tour

04/01/2026

Vintage Tweets: Suffrage Era Postcards

04/04/2026

“Return to the Rainbow City” Indoor Walking Tour

04/08/2026

Colored Musicians Club: Jazz Appreciation featuring Jay/Sharptet

04/11/2026

Arabic Heritage Month Celebration

04/12/2026

Silent Screams Exhibit Opening

04/14/2026

Memory Cafe

04/17/2026

M&T Third Friday

04/17/2026

Junior History Buffs: Building Strong Children with Frederick Douglass

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

Thursday, March 19

St. John Maron consecrated, 1904

Father Nelson Baker ordained, 1876

NY State closes bowling alleys & shopping malls, 2020

Birth of Pan-American Exposition photographer Charles Dudley Arnold, 1844

Port Stanley, ON, Canada

Friday, March 20

Town of Hamburg established, 1812

Town of Cheektowaga established, 1829

Old Post Office/ECC dedicated, 1901

South Division St.

Town of Eden established, 1812

Saturday, March 21

Our Lady of Perpetual Help dedicated, 1900

Adam, Meldrum & Anderson opens for business, 1867

Ahavas Sholem congregation incorporated, 1892

407 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY

Governor Bill Clinton gives speech, 1992

Sunday, March 22

Nikola Tesla visits Buffalo briefly on way to New York, 1901

Town of Cheektowaga is Established, 1839

Cheektowaga, NY, USA

The Delaware District becomes the first preservation district in the City of Buffalo, 1977

Monday, March 23

Genesee Building opens, 1923

2 Fountain Plaza

Town of Evans established, 1821

Firemen's Benevolent Association incorporated, 1837

Hungaian Baptist Church dedicated, 1913

Austin St. near Military Rd.

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