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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08/13/2026

Presidential Descendants in Conversation

08/15/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

08/15/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

08/21/2026

M&T Third Friday

08/21/2026

Junior History Buffs

08/21/2026

History Unlocked: Escape the Pan-Am!!

08/22/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

08/22/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

08/29/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

08/29/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

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, August 11

First cremation in Buffalo, 1885

Buffalo Crematory

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivers Alpha Phi Alpha keynote address, 1956

Buffalo chapter 50th anniversary dinner, Statler Hotel, Niagara Square

Governor Grover Cleveland visits Buffalo, 1883

Death of Caroline Carmichael Fillmore, second wife of Millard, 1881

Wednesday, August 12

Buffalo Niagara Brewers Association incorporated, 2013

League of American Wheelmen holds convention in Buffalo, 1901

Polio epidemic begins, 1912

German & Irish stevedores riot on Buffalo's waterfront, 1862

Thursday, August 13

Sacred Heart cornerstone laid, 1875

Demolition of John J. Albright Mansion begins, 1934

West Ferry Street, W Ferry St, Buffalo, NY, USA

Frederick Douglass delivers a speech in Lafayette Square, 1843

Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY, USA

First Dakota grain elevator destroyed by fire, 1900

Friday, August 14

New York Central Stockyards destroyed by fire, 1908

William Street, William St, Buffalo, NY, USA

Congresswoman Winifred Stanley born, 1909

Joseph Ellicott lays out lot for Buffalo's first school, 1801

Switchmen's strike on Erie Railroad begins, 1892

Erie Railroad

Saturday, August 15

Forest Lawn Cemetery dedicated, 1850

National Convention of Colored Citizens opens, 1843

Vine St. AME Church, Buffalo, NY

Interurban trolley service opens between Buffalo & Lockport, 1898

Buffalo Female Academy opens, 1851

Now Buffalo Seminary

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