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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02/15/2026

Lincoln’s Birthday Celebration

02/18/2026

3rd Annual Presidential Palooza

02/18/2026

Colored Musicians Club: The Evolution of Jazz

02/19/2026

Trivia Night

02/20/2026

M&T Third Friday

02/20/2026

Junior History Buffs

02/20/2026

First Ladies Nite

02/21/2026

Voices for Freedom: African American History in Buffalo Tour

03/04/2026

Treaties and Tribulations: A History of the Tonawanda Reservation

03/07/2026

International Women’s Empowerment Day Dinner

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, February 10

Last vessel to be unloaded by Buffalo grain scoopers, 2003

S.S. Kinsman Independent

Buffalo formed as a town, 1810

St. Paul's Episcopal Church incorporated, 1817

St Paul's Cathedral, 128 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202, United States

Prospect Point observation tower opens, 1961

Niagara Falls, NY, USA

Wednesday, February 11

Architect Edward B. Green dies, 1950

Joni Mitchell performs in Buffalo, 1974

Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Cir, Buffalo, NY 14201, United States

Courier Cable gets 15 year exclusive franchise, 1971

Malcolm X speaks at a Nation of Islam event in Buffalo, 1959

Thursday, February 12

First Presbyterian organized-1st church in Buffalo, 1812

New York to Paris automobile race begins, 1908

First Lincoln birthday celebration held, 1874

St. James, Hall, Eagle Street, Buffalo

Bishop John Timon born, 1797

Conewago Township, PA, USA

Friday, February 13

Colgan Flight 3407 crashes, 2009

Clarence, NY, USA

UB School of Education founded, 1931

Holland Land Company Established, 1796

Saturday, February 14

St. Luke's dedicated, 1909

John Gaffney executed by hanging by Sheriff Grover Cleveland, 1873

Faith Missionary Baptist Church incorporated, 1955

626 Humboldt Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14211, USA

Socony-Vacuum Oil Co. on Elk St. burns, 1948

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