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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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08/21/2026

History Unlocked: Escape the Pan-Am!!

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08/22/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

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08/22/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

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08/29/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

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08/29/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

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09/04/2026

History Meets the Huddle: Behind the Scenes Tour of the World’s Largest Buffalo Bills Collection

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09/05/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

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09/05/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

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09/08/2026

Memory Cafe

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09/12/2026

Pan-American Walking Tour

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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, August 19

Vietnam War protestors "Buffalo Nine" arrested, 1968

Joseph Ellicott dies, 1826

New York City

Fran Striker, author of Lone Ranger scripts, born in Buffalo, 1903

World Record set for largest bowl ever made, 2019

Erie County Fair & Exposition, 5600 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg, NY 14075, USA

Thursday, August 20

Robertson-Cataract building destroyed by fire, 1915

Court Street

Buffalo Rotarians hold watermelon party, 1913

Elmwood Music Hall

Common Council passes resolution to teach German in Buffalo Public Schools, 1868

Mayor William Ketchum patents a hand grenade, 1861

Friday, August 21

Government agents toss 1,098 cases of ale into the Niagara River, 1924

Whirlpool Rapids Bridge, 2250 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls, NY 14305, USA

Cornerstone laid at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1904

Ludington & Benzinger St., Buffalo

Ida B. Wells gives speech, 1895

Vine St. AME Church

Louisiana-Hamilton day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Saturday, August 22

Father Nelson Baker discovers natural gas on the OLV property, 1891

Our Lady of Victory Basilica, 767 Ridge Rd, Buffalo, NY 14218, USA

President Barack Obama gives speech at UB, 2013

University at Buffalo Alumni Arena

Exposition building & stables destroyed by fire, 1896

Hamlin Park Historic District, Buffalo, NY, USA

Sunday, August 23

Political humorist Mark Russell born, 1932

Buffalo Civic Orchestra incorporated, 1944

First work begins on Erie Canal in Erie County, 1823

Buffalo, NY, USA

Erie grain elevator destroyed by fire, 1882