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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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05/06/2026

125 Years of the Pan-American Exposition: A Meeting and Celebration of Membership

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05/08/2026

A Community Conversation: 5/14 Buffalo Massacre

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05/12/2026

Memory Cafe

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05/15/2026

M&T Third Friday

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05/15/2026

Junior History Buffs

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05/15/2026

Junior History Buffs

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05/15/2026

GLAMerica 250 Exhibit Opening

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05/17/2026

AAPI Trailblazer Exhibit: Celebration of Asian Talents!

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05/18/2026

Celebrate Spring

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05/21/2026

Trivia Night

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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.

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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

Sunday, May 3

Buffalo & Niagara Falls Railroad incorporated, 1834

Buffalo terminus of Erie Canal filled with water, 1825

Grosvenor Library dedicated, 1872

369 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

First soldiers from Buffalo (21st Infantry) leave for Civil War, 1861

Monday, May 4

Wells grain elevator destroyed by fire, 1912

Margaret L. Wendt Foundation incorporated, 1995

"Street of Shops" exhibit opens, 1962

Buffalo History Museum (formerly the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society), 1 Museum Court, (formerly 25 Nottingham Court), Buffalo, NY 14216, USA

Former President Jimmy Carter gives speech, 1989

University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA

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