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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09/18/2026

M&T Third Friday

09/18/2026

Junior History Buffs

09/19/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

09/19/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

09/23/2026

“All American Are Created Equal”: From Jefferson and Adams to Lincoln to Us

09/24/2026

Harvest to Market: The Erie Canal’s Food Legacy

09/24/2026

Trivia Night

09/26/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

09/26/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

09/30/2026

Buffalo 101: How History Shaped the Queen City – Session 1

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

Wednesday, September 16

Kinzua Dam dedicated, 1966

Ground broken for Buffalo City Hall, 1929

Niagara Square

Buffalo City Watch Founded, 1834

McKinley Funeral Train Arrives in Washington, DC, 1901

Thursday, September 17

Great Gorge Route closes due to major landslide, 1935

Niagara Falls, NY, USA

Frederick Douglass gives speech at National Liberty Party Convention, 1851

Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY, USA

McKinley Funeral Services Held in Capitol Rotunda, 1901

Socialistic Labor Party holds national convention, 1887

Buffalo, NY, USA

Friday, September 18

St. Adalbert's Basilica celebrates final mass, 2011

St. Adalberts Basilica

Third International Congress of Nurses opens, 1901

Pan-American Exposition

McKinley’s Remains Arrive in Canton, OH, 1901

Erie County Jail opens, 1878

10 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Saturday, September 19

Evans grain elevator destroyed by fire, 1862

Ground broken for Delaware Park, 1870

Buffalo Courier-Express publishes final issue, 1982

Death of Mary Jemison, 1833

Buffalo Creek Reservation

Sunday, September 20

Dr. Frances E. Fronczak born, 1874

Lancaster Opera House reopens after restoration program, 1981

Lancaster, NY

Buffalo Jewish Veterans Club incorporated, 1945

Holland Land Company deeds over land for Franklin Square Cemetery, 1821

Now the site of Erie County Hall on Franklin St.

AAM Accredited Museum Badge