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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10/10/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

10/10/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

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

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, October 6

Earliest recorded snowfall in Buffalo, 1991

King Albert, Queen Elizabeth, and Crown Prince Leopold of Belgium visit Buffalo, 1919

Senator Hillary Clinton welcomes Dublin (Ireland) Chamber of Commerce members to Buffalo, 2002

Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Ct, Buffalo, NY 14216, USA

Harriet Beecher Stowe Reads "Uncle Tom's Cabin" at St. James Hall, 1873

Wednesday, October 7

Daredevil Sam Patch jumps from Niagara Falls & survives, 1829

Telegraph messenger boys go on strike, 1901

Illinois Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Thursday, October 8

St. Matthews RC Church dedicated, 1911

E. Ferry

The Buffalo Brewery destroyed by fire, 1825

Buffalo United Artists incorporated, 1998

National Pierogie Day

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

AAM Accredited Museum Badge