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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09/05/2026

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

09/18/2026

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

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

Sunday, September 6

Patrick Morrissey executed by hanging by Sheriff Grover Cleveland, 1872

Inventor Wilson Greatbatch born, 1919

Buffalo & Niagara Railroad opens, 1836

Buffalo's first railroad

Polish Falcons national convention opens in Buffalo, 1914

Broadway Auditorium

Monday, September 7

Buffalo Gay Historical Bowling League founded, 1978

New York Central Terminal added to the National Register, 1984

Buffalo Central Terminal, 495 Paderewski Dr, Buffalo, NY 14212, USA

Death of Jesse Ketchum, 1867

Birth of novelist Taylor Caldwell, 1900

Manchester, UK

AAM Accredited Museum Badge