Junior History Buffs
The Buffalo History Museum Welcomes Families to Junior History Buffs
Thank you to the generosity of M&T Bank we offer this program every Third Friday of each month, at 10:00am and again at 3:00pm
Curiosity sparked. Stories uncovered. A new generation of history keepers begins here.
At The Buffalo History Museum, we believe history isn’t just something to study—it’s something to experience, question, and carry forward. Junior History Buffs is our youth engagement program designed to introduce children to the rich stories of Western New York through hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes access, and interactive learning.
Open to young historians aged four to nine, this program nurtures curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a deep appreciation for our region’s past—and its relevance to today.
Youth who attend Junior History Buffs become active participants in the Museum’s mission to preserve and share our collective history. Whether exploring local legends, examining historical tools, or uncovering the stories behind everyday objects, these young learners help keep our history alive.
Because history belongs to everyone—especially those who will shape its future. For the month’s Junior History Buff theme and to register to attend, click here.
For Educators
We are a leading resource on Buffalo and Erie County history with a number of educational tours, programs, activities, and other outreach available for teachers, community centers, senior centers, and more.
Tours can be tailored for student groups, seniors, or tourism groups based on your unique interests.
Student tours, given a general tour of the exhibits with trained docents, are $8 per student; free for chaperones. Student tours must have a 10:1 ratio of student-chaperone.
Field trip options for the 2025-2026 school year include:
- Traditional Field Trip – $8 per student
- Village of Buffalo Creek Field Trip – $10 per student
- Haudenosaunee Field Trip – $10 per student
Adult, non-student tours with trained docents are $15 per person.
Senior Citizen guided tours are $12 per person.
Tours and field trips must be booked 3 weeks in advance of the tour/field trip date.
Docent-led tours typically include 3 exhibit galleries, but specialized tours can be made. Please complete the tour form below to request a tour.
The Museum has developed interactive, hands-on history kits to engage students in our region’s history. History kits feature artifacts and activities that are developed to align with New York State Education Department social studies standards and the Common Core Learning Standards.
History kits can be rented for one week, Monday through Friday, and used by multiple teachers in the same week. The cost of rental is $50 general; $30 for members of the Museum.
Available History Kits:
- Native Americans
- 19th Century Life
- World War I Propaganda Posters
- COMING SOON: Erie Canal STEM Kit
Docents can bring history to you. We’re available to speak at schools, senior living centers, community centers, civic and social clubs, and more.
Programs can be tailored to accommodate special needs.
Cost for outreach programs are $75 up to 50 people, $100 for 51 – 100 people, and $125 for groups of 101 or above.
Outreach Programs:
- Erie Canal
- Artifact Detective
- Pan-American Exposition
Traditional Field Trip
$8 PER STUDENT
Experienced docents will guide students through several exhibits in the museum,
including a chance to see the Sports ICONS exhibit. We can tailor the experience to what
you would like to cover, but usually include a visit to the Pioneer Exhibit, the Native American Gallery and we stop by a few sections of the Continuum exhibit to learn about the Erie Canal and Slavery and Abolitionism in New York State. We teach them about the importance of artifacts in learning about history. At the end of the morning, each student receives a token to remember their day with us.
Village of Buffalo Creek Field Trip
$10 PER STUDENT
Welcome to the Village of Buffalo Creek, established in 1806. You and your students
can immerse yourselves in 19th century life for two hours. Walk through the exhibit and
see artifacts from log cabin homes and the blacksmith’s shop. Pick up artifacts and play
with games and toys that children played with. Students will also make a sample quilt square out of cardstock paper that they can take home.
Haudenosaunee Field Trip
$10 PER STUDENT
Welcome to The Buffalo History Museum, where you and your students can immerse
yourselves in two hours of Haudenosaunee history and culture. Explore a detailed model
of a village and step inside a longhouse. Pick up traditional tools and accessories and listen
to stories that have been passed down through generations. Learn how the Haudenosaunee
Nations formed a Confederacy and how they continue to uphold their legacy in Western
New York today. Students will create their own beaded bracelet to take home as a memento of their experience.
1ST GRADE
Past, Present, Future
Come explore the past, experience the present
and see what the future holds. Create a timeline of the Erie Canal!
2ND GRADE
Timeline
Oh no! The timeline of events has been mixed up!
Come unscramble history and explore the Erie Canal.
3RD GRADE
Who Am I?
DeWitt Clinton? Red Jacket? Marie Love?
Use clues to find historic figures and piece together history!
4TH GRADE
Artifact vs. Replica
Artifact vs. replica? What’s the difference?
Explore the history of the Erie Canal and the artifacts we have!
5TH GRADE
Primary and Secondary Sources
Let’s take a look at sources! Using material from before, during, and after the Canal era to identify what source is what!
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL
The Tour
Come explore the perspectives of the Erie Canal and all it has to offer!
For more information about Canalside field trip options and program costs contact:
Megan DeJoe, mdejoe@buffalohistory.org, 716.873.9644 ext. 503
