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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06/27/2026

“Queen” City History Tours: History, with a Twist of Drag Flair

07/01/2026

Stars, Stripes and Stitches: 250 Years of American Quilts

07/08/2026

Canalside Lecture Series: The Seneca Chief Returns

07/11/2026

Pan-American Walking Tour

07/14/2026

Memory Cafe

07/17/2026

M&T Third Friday

07/17/2026

Junior History Buffs

07/17/2026

Decades on the Dance Floor

07/20/2026

Fashion Lab NY Summer Fashion Camp

08/01/2026

Pan-American Walking Tour

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

Friday, June 19

U.S. Post Office cornerstone laid, 1897

S. Division St.

Elbert Hubbard born, 1856

Bloomington, IL

Our Lady of Victory Shrine announced, 1921

Lackawanna, NY

Village of Buffalo trustees formally drop Ellicott's original Dutch street names, 1826

Saturday, June 20

Andrew J. Smitherman, pioneering African-American newspaper publisher, dies, 1961

Mary B. Talbert launches Anti-Lynching Crusaders campaign, 1920

Shirley Chisholm gives speech, 1972

University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA

Governor Grover Cleveland visits Buffalo, 1883

Sunday, June 21

Unity Church incorporated, 1944

U.S Constitution ratified, 1788

Rev. E. Jesse Nash celebrates 50th anniversary at Michigan Street Baptist Church, 1942

Major Albert J. Myer of Buffalo founds the U.S. Army Signal Corps, 1860

Monday, June 22

New York Central Terminal dedicated, 1929

Memorial Drive, Memorial Dr, Buffalo, NY, USA

Red Jacket monument dedicated, 1892

Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1411 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209, USA

Tuesday, June 23

Buffalo Athletic Club incorporated, 1922

Demolition of Elk Street market begins, 1923

Buffalo Club for the Deaf incorporated, 1944

India Walton wins Democratic primary for mayor, 2021

AAM Accredited Museum Badge