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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09/06/2025

Pan-Am Walking Tour

09/06/2025

Terrakwa Exhibit Tour

09/09/2025

Memory Cafe

09/10/2025

Book Talk with Brad Utter on the Erie Canal

09/11/2025

Behind the Scenes Tour

09/17/2025

Historic Places in Buffalo & WNY Book Launch with author Rick Falkowski

09/19/2025

M&T Third Friday

09/19/2025

Junior History Buffs

09/19/2025

Trivia Night

09/24/2025

Civil War Roundtable

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, August 28

About 400 Buffalonians attend Dr. King's March on Washington, 1963

Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC

Friday, August 29

M & T Bank founded, 1856

Hungarian Reformed Church dedicated, 1915

Clinton & Pulaski, Buffalo, NY

Cuba Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Medina Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Saturday, August 30

Liberty Party convention opens, 1843

Under a tent in Lafayette Square

Formal Opening of Kenilworth Park, 1902

Sunday, August 31

Officer Edward Obertean dies in shoot-out with the Klan, 1924

128 Durham Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA

McKinley assassin Leon Czolgosz rents a room above John Nowak's saloon, 1901

1078 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14212, USA

Liberace performs at Melody Fair & visits St. Casimir's Church, 1975

Groundbreaking ceremony for Metro Rail project, 1984

Monday, September 1

Concorde supersonic jet lands at Buffalo airport, 1986

Buffalo holds a banquet to celebrate laying the first trans-Atlantic cable, 1858

St. James Hall

The Buffalo Public Library opens to the public, 1897

Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

Old Home Week begins, 1907