06/04/2025 @ 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

One of Buffalo’s least remembered yet most historically significant heroes was Major General Bennet C. Riley. He served in the U.S. Army for 40 years from the War of 1812 through the Mexican War and culminated with his serving as the last military governor of California during the famous “California Gold Rush”.  In the early 1840s, Riley was commanding officer of the Buffalo Barracks, an army post located on what is now the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site. The experience of Riley during his time here and his interactions with notable Buffalonians convinced him to return here after his military service was finished.

General Riley’s life and career, including his time here in Buffalo, will be discussed by local historian Thomas F. Schobert. He is the author of “Hush the Cannon’s Roar – The Life and Times of Bennet Riley: Defender of Buffalo”

Doors open at 5:30pm

Program: 6pm-8pm

There will be a book signing at the end. Copies of the book will be available to purchase from the Museum’s Gift Shop.

Tickets are $12 (Free for Members): Purchase Tickets Here