Experiencing History With You

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.

Learn More

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.

Shop Now

Picture Store

Browse our extensive photo collection and decorate your home or office with classic Buffalo images.

Shop Now
View Full Calendar

On This Day In Buffalo

Sunday, November 1

Joseph Ellicott born, 1760

Bucks County, PA

Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus incorporated, 2000

Roswell Park Cancer Institute dedicated, 1913

Lewiston-Queenston Bridge opens, 1962

Monday, November 2

Wilcox Mansion designated a National Historic Landmark, 1966

The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, 641 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

First firemen's monument unveiled, 1870

Forest Lawn Cemetery

Buffalo Union Furnace Co. incorporated, 1900

President Grover Cleveland travels to Buffalo to vote, 1885

Tuesday, November 3

Buffalo Niagara International Airport opens, 1997

Forever Elmwood incorporated, 1994

International Railroad Bridge opens, 1873

ReTree Buffalo established, 2006

Wednesday, November 4

Six members of the West Side Rowing Club fly out of Buffalo to compete in the Olympics, 1956

Melbourne VIC, Australia

The Seneca Chief canal boat arrives in the New York harbor, 1825

Penn-Dixie cement silos demolished, 1977

Woodlawn, NY 14219, USA

Thursday, November 5

National Doughnut Day

Shirley Chisholm becomes the first African-American woman elected to Congress, 1968

Nirvana performs at UB, 1993

University at Buffalo

Genesee Pure Food Co. changes its name to Jell-O Company, 1923