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3D Objects
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Experiencing History with You
An inspired group of history makers founded The Buffalo History Museum, then called the Buffalo Historical Society, in 1862. They assembled a unique collection of regional paintings, photographs, artifacts, and manuscripts to share with researchers and the public.
To accommodate the organization’s rapid growth, operations moved into one of three buildings that comprise the current museum campus. Buffalo architect George Cary designed the New York State Building, hostess for the 1901 Pan American Exposition, which was intended to remain the permanent home for local history. Our mission expanded, and exhibitions to share the collection emerged as a priority.
From handwritten business ledgers to innovations marking industries, from folders of neighborhood photos to complete soldiers’ footlockers, by 1950 the Museum cataloged and safeguarded a vast array of treasures. Westward expansion, entertainment industrialization, immigration, transportation, presidents, military and social history are reflected in our collections and tie us to our nation’s story.
In 2012, on our 150th Anniversary, we became known as The Buffalo History Museum.
Today, we care for and share nearly half-million objects and their stories that characterize Western New York and draw national attention to our community.
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Mission
Experiencing history with you, by safekeeping, remembering, discovering, and sharing our stories; learning and exploring together; sparking emotional and social connections within our unique community.
• Be the leading cultural and educational institution for the study, interpretation and publication of Western New York history.
• Ensure and advocate for the preservation, exploration, and enjoyment of our historic treasures.
• By inspiring personal connections to our regional stories, strengthen the fabric of the community and encourage respect.
• Be a hub for gathering, socializing, connecting, and engaging – specifically a welcoming place that establishes and expands networks and creates shared experiences.
• Build sustainable financial capital and hire, develop and retain talent.
• Through our past, present and future, foster connections with our shared history and contribute to the region’s overall quality of life.
• Engage our supporters as goodwill ambassadors for the Museum and for Western New York.
Collaboration
Work together, valuing others perspectives and contributions, and allow new and creative ideas and possibilities to arise.
Conversation
Listen actively; be open, honest and mindful in our communication.
Diversity
In our operations and outreach, we prioritize inclusivity and access.
Engagement
Exude enthusiasm and energy in our work, ensuring that all people feel welcome and have opportunities for participation.
Excellence
Continuously grow and improve through our implementation of personal and professional best practices and our investment in our people, programs and resources.
Integrity
Demonstrate the highest level of ethics, authenticity, credibility and transparency in our interactions with all people.
Storytelling
Passionately keep and share our community’s stories.
Stewardship
Meet or exceed our responsibilities as a regional museum and non-profit organization.
About our National Historic Landmark Building
Buffalo architect George Cary designed the New York State Building for the 1901 Pan American Exposition. It is the only structure that was intended to remain from the exposition. The building was dedicated to the then Buffalo Historical Society on August 6, 1901 to serve as a home to the Society.
Most of the Museum’s exhibitions, programs, and special events are held in the Pan Am Building.
Our Leadership
We share a passion for the past. We enjoy the contagious enthusiasm inspired by museum visits and conjured by the collection. We are grateful that the community’s stories – ordinary and extraordinary – have been entrusted to us.
Melissa Brown
Executive Director
Melissa joined The Buffalo History Museum in 1998. Her initial focus was researching and processing the Pan American Exposition Collection in preparation for the 2001 Centennial. She was appointed Director of Research & Interpretation in 2009, and she became the Museum’s 11th Executive Director in 2011.
Board of Managers
OFFICERS
President – Kevin Brady, Marketing Research Consultant
Treasurer – Brian Dempsey, CCMA, LLC
Secretary – Sandra Starks, Retired Cultural Tourism in WNY
Vice President – Anne Conable, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
Vice President – Cassie Irish, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Vice President – Bill O’Donnell, Retired Senior Restaurant Industry
Vice President – Alexander Schimert, Wilmington Trust
Vice President – Melissa Leonard, 7th Gen Cultural Resources
Vice President – Julian Looney, Antunovich Associates
MANAGERS
Dr. Lisa Marie Anselmi, SUNY Buffalo State
Dr. Barbara Seals Nevergold, Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research & Education on Women, Inc.
Rosario Chetta, Phillips Lytle
Christopher Copeland, M&T Bank
Noel Emerling, Retired Educator
Rema Hanash, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
Michael Quinniey, Western New York Minority Media Professionals Inc.
Stuart Rockefeller, University of Buffalo
Jeff Stravino, Hodgson Russ LLP
Judge Penny Wolfgang, Buffalo City Court
Lisa Yaeger, Tiveron Law, PLLC