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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05/08/2026

A Community Conversation: 5/14 Buffalo Massacre

05/12/2026

Sold Out: Memory Cafe

05/15/2026

M&T Third Friday

05/15/2026

Junior History Buffs

05/15/2026

Junior History Buffs

05/15/2026

GLAMerica 250 Exhibit Opening

05/17/2026

AAPI Trailblazer Exhibit: Celebration of Asian Talents!

05/18/2026

Celebrate Spring

05/21/2026

Trivia Night

05/27/2026

Citizens and Soldiers of the Upper River Valley: The 98th Ohio’s Civil War

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

Tuesday, May 5

Broadway Arsenal cornerstone laid, 1858

Nash St.

Groundbreaking for Pierce-Arrow Factory, 1905

1685 Elmwood Avenue

Wells grain elevator destroyed by fire, 1902

Cornerstone is laid for Canisius College, 1872

Wednesday, May 6

Oliver Hazard Perry opens Navy Yard, 1813

Black Rock, Buffalo, NY, USA

Death of Seymour Knox I, 1915

Letitia M. Ellicott (1782-1864) becomes the first woman property owner in Buffalo, 1811

Thursday, May 7

Funds appropriated for Buffalo's first public market, 1821

Elbert & Alice Hubbard die on the Lusitania, 1915

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church dedicated, 1905

Main near North

Buffalo Police Athletic League incorporated, 1951

Friday, May 8

Kellogg Observatory opens, 1930

Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14211, USA

First gas light company formed, 1848

Ulrich's Tavern raided during Prohibition, 1926

674 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

Special Women's Edition of Buffalo "Daily Courier" is Produced, 1895

Saturday, May 9

Grateful Dead performs, 1977

Memorial Auditorium

Architect Gordon Bunshaft born, 1909

Buffalo, NY

First known display of Milton Rogovin's photography, 1951

Albright Art School, AKG Art Museum, 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, USA

First mention of baseball in a Buffalo newspaper, 1855

AAM Accredited Museum Badge