Experiencing history with you
by remembering, discovering, and sharing our stories; sparking emotional and social connections within our unique community.
1872 Hopkins Atlas Plate
1872
A map of buildings and owners in what we know as Canalside today. In 1872, when this map was made, Buffalo’s canal district was a dense, roiling center of commerce, industry, transportation, immigration, wealth, poverty, crime, and disease.
Red Jacket Medal
1792
Peace medal presented to Seneca orator Red Jacket by President George Washington in Philadelphia in 1792. The medal bears symbolic imagery of peaceful coexistence between the United States and Native Americans.
The Buffalo History Museum takes the health of our staff, volunteers, guests, and community as top priority. As a preventative measure in light of recent developments regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Museum, Research Library, and Museum Shop will be physically closed effective immediately until further notice. All public programs and events from now until further notice are also canceled or postponed.
While this was not a decision made lightly, the safety of our community comes first coupled with the guidelines and recommendations provided by health officials.
Continue exploring our region’s unique history through our digital resources and information, including issues of our newsletter, digital archival projects, and highlights from our collection. Additionally, we will continue to share artifacts, information, and more on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Future updates, including potential closing extensions or cancellations, will be reflected here on our website and social media. We thank you for your support during this time and wish all wellness and safety.
COVID-19: Helpful Community Resources & Information
Our gratitude to leadership at the City of Buffalo, County of Erie, State of New York, and to the patriot workforce that continues to work tirelessly to support our community.
Apostolic Clock
1881
An iconic timepiece created over the span of 35 years as a passion project by local engineer Myles Hughes. Before his death in 1923, he donated it to The Buffalo History Museum to be shared with the community. Like many late 19th century monumental clocks, its design was inspired by the Strasbourg Cathedral Clock of 1842. Apostles parade around Jesus every half hour with Peter turning his back to Jesus.
Pan-Am Night Scene Panoramic
1901
In 1901 when the Pan-American Exposition opened, the sheer volume and color of electric lights, designed to be experienced after dark, was a new experience for Americans. This view, looking north from the Triumphal Bridge, includes the Temple of Music, Machinery and Transportation Buildings, Court of Fountains, Electric Tower, Manufactures Building, Liberal Arts and Ethnology Building, and part of the Government Building.
Evelyn Rumsey Cary Suffrage Poster
1905
This poster was a favorite of the women’s suffrage movement. Created by Evelyn Rumsey Cary (1855-1924) of Buffalo, it is an elegant example of Art Nouveau graphic design, depicting a female figure transformed into a fruit tree. The building behind her may be based on the east façade of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.
In 2021, The Buffalo History Museum will debut a feature exhibit celebrating the 200th anniversary of Erie County. What are the stories, events, and people that have shaped Erie County in the past 70 years? Please help us tell this story by giving your input.
Iver-Johnson Revolver
ca. 1901
Iver-Johnson, 32 caliber, nickel plated revolver used by Leon Czolgosz to assassinate President William McKinley outside the Temple of Music at the Pan American Exposition.
Grover Cleveland’s Cake Box & Cake
1886
Cake box given as a wedding favor to the guests of the wedding of President Grover Cleveland to Frances Folsom in the White House on June 2, 1886. Inside the box there is still a portion of the dark cake that was given to the guests.
When you support The Buffalo History Museum, you make inspiration and discovery happen. Ensure that the stories of today and the past are preserved and accessible for generations to come.
Pony Coat
1919–1920
This overcoat belonged to Henry J. Miller. He was very close with his horse, Skip, and when Skip passed away in 1919, Henry had him made into this overcoat.
Larkin Photo in Atrium
The Larkin Administration Building was the first major commercial commission in Frank Lloyd Wright’s career. The central court shown here provided natural light to all five floors. The Larkin Building was demolished in 1950.
Scott Norwood Helmet
1985–1991
Scott Norwood’s only helmet worn in Super Bowl XXV, SB XXVI, Pro Bowl, regular season and playoff games from 1985-1991. It is part of the Greg D. Tranter Collection of Buffalo Bills Memorabilia.
There are many ways to become involved with the Museum. Two of the most popular ways are by becoming a member or volunteering.
Members support the Museum with an annual fee that includes perks such as free admission, discounted admission to programs, invitations to members-only events, and more
Volunteers help with fundraising events, providing guided museum tours, and cataloging artifacts.
Winifred Stanley Poster
1942
Pioneering attorney Winifred Stanley (1909-1996), who grew up in Buffalo and earned her law degree from the University at Buffalo, was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1942. In 1944, she introduced the first equal pay legislation in American history. She is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Tonawanda. Donated by Mary Louise Stanley.
Automaton
Ca. 1895
This is Madame Le Doll, an automaton imported from a doll show in Paris and was the highlight of the Great Buffalo Doll Show in 1895. With a turn of a key, Madame Le Doll turns her head, fans herself, twirls her parasol, breathes, and winks.
Mary Talbert Portrait
1929
Portrait of Mary Burnett Talbert (1866-1923) by G. Gonzalez, a civil rights activist, educator, and WWI Red Cross nurse. Talbert was a tireless worker for human rights in the late 19th and early 20th century and is perhaps best remembered for laying the foundations for the passage of the Dyer Anti-Lynch Bills.