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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10/03/2026

Pan-American Walking Tour

10/03/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

10/03/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

10/07/2026

Happy Hour History: A Different Path to Justice – The Work of Connie and Arthur Eve

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

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

Wednesday, September 30

Buffalo Historical Society building dedicated, 1902

1 Museum Court

Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls born, 1964

Love Canal removed from Superfund National Priorities List, 2004

Niagara Falls, NY, USA

Community Foundation established, 1919

Thursday, October 1

Wollenberg Elevator destroyed by fire, 2006

Koons St.

Buffalo Engine #4, Fillmore Engine #3 & Jefferson Engine #12 riot, 1854

Mohawk St.

Master Brewers Association of the US holds convention in Buffalo, 1916

German-American Hall

Waiter Christopher Webb illegally apprehended by slavecatchers from Kentucky, 1847

Gothic Hall, 189 Main Street, Buffalo, NY

Friday, October 2

Elmwood Music Hall demolished, 1938

Elmwood & Virginia

Cornerstone laid for Blessed Sacrament chapel, 1887

Presidential candidate Grover Cleveland campaigns in Buffalo, 1884

President Franklin D. Roosevelt visits Buffalo, 1933

Saturday, October 3

Colored citizens meet in opposition to the Fugitive Slave Act, 1850

Clinton Hall

Robert F. Kennedy gives speech, 1964

University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA

President Bill Clinton gives speech, 1996

Nebraska Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Sunday, October 4

Temple Beth Zion destroyed by fire, 1961

599 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Justice Robert H. Jackson speaks at UB, 1946

University at Buffalo - South Campus

Jane Fonda & Tom Hayden visit Buffalo, 1979

Love Canal rally, Buffalo City Hall

Photographer Milton Rogovin refuses to answer questions at Buffalo HUAC hearing, 1957

AAM Accredited Museum Badge