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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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07/25/2026

Children’s Book Club at Waterway of Change

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08/01/2026

Pan-American Walking Tour

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08/02/2026

Black Experience Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

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08/02/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

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08/02/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

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08/06/2026

A Little Building. A Big Party.

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08/08/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

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08/08/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

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08/11/2026

Memory Cafe

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08/13/2026

Presidential Descendants in Conversation

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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

Wednesday, July 22

Beth El synagogue dedicated, 1850

Pearl near Eagle

Karibu News publishes first issue, 2015

Erie County chapter of Women's Christian Temperance Union founded, 1885

Lancaster, NY, USA

Buffalo's first Polish newspaper, Ojczyzna [Homeland] begins publishing , 1885

Thursday, July 23

Firemen's Benevolent Assn. monument dedicated, 1869

Forest Lawn Cemetery

Lafayette Hotel Company incorporated, 1903

Buffalo Daily Law Journal incorporated, 1973

Death of Joseph Ellicott, 1824

Friday, July 24

Abraham Lincoln visits Niagara Falls, 1857

Niagara Falls, NY, USA

Buffalo Skate Park opens, 2013

LaSalle Park

Chau Tu Hien Buddhist Cultural Center dedicated, 1999

647 Fillmore Ave, Buffalo, NY 14212, USA

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 237 chartered, 1914

Saturday, July 25

Flying Bison Brewing Company incorporated, 1995

Bobby Leach survives plunge over Niagara Falls in steel barrel, 1911

Battle of Lundy's Lane, 1814

Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls, ON L2G, Canada

Abraham Lincoln & family visit Niagara Falls, 1857

Cataract House, Niagara Falls, NY

Sunday, July 26

President John Quincy Adams gives speech in Buffalo, 1843

New York Admitted to the Union as the 11th State, 1788

President McKinley drives memorial stake at proposed site for Pan-American Exposition, 1897

Cayuga Island, Niagara Falls, NY 14304, USA

First suspension bridge across Niagara River completed, 1848

Niagara Falls, NY, USA