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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08/08/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

08/08/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

08/11/2026

Memory Cafe

08/12/2026

Canalside Lecture Series: The World Came to Buffalo: Celebrating the Pan-American Exposition at 125

08/13/2026

Presidential Descendants in Conversation

08/15/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

08/15/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

08/21/2026

M&T Third Friday

08/21/2026

Junior History Buffs

08/21/2026

History Unlocked: Escape the Pan-Am!!

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, August 5

Knights of Columbus hold convention in Buffalo, 1919

Father Baker's Orphan Asylum incorporated, 1851

Giuseppe Creatore and his band play at Convention Hall, 1903

National Mustard Day

Thursday, August 6

Lucille Ball born, 1911

Jamestown, NY 14701, USA

New York State Building dedicated, 1901

Pan-American Exposition

World Wide Web introduced to the world, 1991

Cornell-Ithaca Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Friday, August 7

Scajaquada Creek floods, 1963

Love Canal declared a federal disaster area, 1978

Niagara Falls, NY, USA

National Purple Heart Day

Centennial Park officially renamed LaSalle Park, 1940

La Salle Park, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Saturday, August 8

Automobile Club of Buffalo (now AAA) incorporated, 1905

National Sneak Some Zucchini on Your Neighbor's Porch Day

Architect John E. Brent born, 1889

World Cat Day

Sunday, August 9

Erie County Advertiser, now known as the East Aurora Advertiser, publishes first issue, 1872

Indigenous Peoples Day

President James Monroe gives speech at Landon's Hotel, 1817

Later known as the Mansion House

Free Soil Party founded in Buffalo; nominates Martin Van Buren for president, 1848

Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY

AAM Accredited Museum Badge