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

03/14/2026

“Return to the Rainbow City” Indoor Walking Tour

03/20/2026

M&T Third Friday

03/20/2026

Junior History Buffs

03/20/2026

Eid Festival with APAPA

03/21/2026

The Life of a Buffalo Showgirl Tour

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

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

Wednesday, March 11

Asa Chapman is first customer of Holland Land Company, 1801

Lafayette Presbyterian Church destroyed by fire, 1850

Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY, USA

Henry Ford visits Buffalo Automobile Show, 1904

Town of Clarence established, 1808

Thursday, March 12

Millard Fillmore's funeral, 1874

St Paul's Cathedral, 139 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Invention of the World Wide Web, 1989

St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute chartered, 1851

Buffalo Chapter of the DAR Formed, 1892

Friday, March 13

St. Stephen's dedicated, 1887

Old County Hall Opens, 1876

Franklin Street

Blizzard of 1993 begins

Abigail Powers Fillmore, 1st wife of Millard, born, 1798

Saturday, March 14

Heacock's woolen mill destroyed by fire, 1846

Hydraulics

Ladies' Temperance Union is Established, 1850

First three COVID-19 cases confirmed in Erie County, 2020

American Bowling Congress opens, 1946

Buffalo Armory, 184 Connecticut St, Buffalo, NY 14213, USA

Sunday, March 15

Western NY Genealogical Society incorporated, 1976

COVID-19 State of Emergency declared in City of Buffalo and Erie County, 2020

Fire destroys records in the U.S. Engineer's Office, 1887

UB professors begin sit-in at Hayes Hall, 1970

University at Buffalo (South Campus), 3435 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA

AAM Accredited Museum Badge