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

10/13/2026

Memory Cafe

10/14/2026

Buffalo 101: How History Shaped the Queen City – Session 2

10/15/2026

2026 Red Jacket Awards

10/16/2026

M&T Third Friday

10/16/2026

Junior History Buffs October

10/16/2026

Carrying the Craft Forward: The Roycroft Renaissance Exhibit Opening

10/17/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

10/17/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

10/20/2026

Voting Is Your Superpower — Celebration of Democracy

10/21/2026

Buffalo 101: How History Shaped the Queen City – Session 3

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

Friday, October 9

Clement Hall dedicated at UB, 1964

Above-ground section of Metro Rail opens, 1984

Buffalo Normal School cornerstone laid, 1913

Jersey Street, Jersey St, Buffalo, NY, USA

Death of Willis Carrier, inventor of air conditioning, 1950

Saturday, October 10

Buffalo Mercantile College founded, 1854

Main & Seneca Street

Buffalo Sabres play their first game, 1970

Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Niagara Hotel opens, 1887

Porter & Seventh Streets

Buffalo Camera Club organized, 1888

Sunday, October 11

Jefferson Avenue Shul/Ahavas Sholem demolished, 2014

407 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY

Maya Angelou gives speech, 1976

University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA

City-wide influenza quarantine begins, 1918

Buffalo, NY, USA

Buffalo Evening News publishes first issue, 1880

Monday, October 12

Kleinhans Music Hall dedicated, 1940

Symphony Circle

October Surprise storm begins, 2006

Offerman Stadium demolished, 1961

George H.W. Bush gives speech, 1980

Tuesday, October 13

Model Beverly Johnson born, 1952

Canal Society of New York State founded in Buffalo, 1956

Holland Office Museum dedicated, 1894

Batavia, NY

Glenn Miller band performs, 1939

Shea's Buffalo Theatre, 650 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

AAM Accredited Museum Badge