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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09/04/2026

History Meets the Huddle: Behind the Scenes Tour of the World’s Largest Buffalo Bills Collection

09/05/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

09/05/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

09/08/2026

Memory Cafe

09/09/2026

25 Years of Purpose: Preserving our Stories, Shaping our Legacy

09/12/2026

Pan-American Walking Tour

09/12/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

09/12/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

09/16/2026

Members-Only Preview: Long Way Home: 40 Years of the Goo Goo Dolls

09/17/2026

Community Is Now: Buffalo As Art

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, September 1

Concorde supersonic jet lands at Buffalo airport, 1986

Buffalo holds a banquet to celebrate laying the first trans-Atlantic cable, 1858

St. James Hall

The Buffalo Public Library opens to the public, 1897

Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

Old Home Week begins, 1907

Wednesday, September 2

Niagara section of Thruway opened, 1960

Presidential candidate Woodrow Wilson gives Labor Day speech, 1912

Buffalo Public Library Opens, 1897

First meeting to form Zonta Club held, 1919

Hotel Buffalo (then the Hotel Statler), Washington at Swan St, Buffalo

Thursday, September 3

Erastus Granger appointed first postmaster of Buffalo, 1804

Ella Fitzgerald performs in Buffalo, 1939

Broadway Auditorium

President Martin Van Buren gives speech in Buffalo, 1839

Bar Association of Erie County established, 1886

Friday, September 4

Masten Park High School opens, 1897

International Industrial Fair opens, 1888

Hamlin Park, Buffalo, NY, USA

McKinley Arrives in Buffalo, 1901

New England Grocers' Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Saturday, September 5

McKinley Monument dedicated, 1907

Niagara Square

Village of Kenmore incorporated, 1899

Canisius College opens for classes, 1870

434 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

Signor Farini crosses Niagara gorge on tightrope, 1860

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