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.
Through an interactive multimedia experience featuring short films, touchscreens, audio, historical artifacts, and dramatic lighting, visitors of all ages and abilities will discover Buffalo’s rapid transformation, the technical innovations behind the canal, and the vital contributions of individuals to the city’s development.
Sponsored by: Local 210 Laborers Union
Monday, May 25th through Sunday, September 6th our hours will be:
Monday: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: Sensory Hour is from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and General Admission is from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Beginning Sunday September 6th our fall hours will be:
Sunday: Sensory Hour is from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and General Admission is from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Visiting the exhibit is free admission at the door, our exhibit is designed to be enjoyed in a 30-45 minute visit.
Saturday Mini Tours: “Builders of the Canal” and “Women on the Canal” are $3 per person and can be purchased ahead of time through our programs page or at the door. Advance tickets help us plan ahead, so we encourage pre-ordering.
Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change: Occurs every Saturday from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Come explore the triumph and tragedies of the Erie Canal. Uncover the details of each theme behind the Waterway of Change exhibit! Look at the land itself while getting a deeper dive into the point of views that created a lasting impact of the Erie Canal had on New York and The United States of America.
This tour explores the triumph and tragedies of the Erie Canal. Look through the lens of the builders of the canal and the overwhelming hurtles they overcame to accomplish this massive feat. Step back and see the vision George Washington had for the canal and how Dewitt Clinton adapted it to New York State.
Please note that these tours are inside and outside the exhibit. There is walking involved in different types of terrain. Please contact Megan DeJoe at Mdejoe@buffalohistory.org for questions.
Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change: Occurs every Saturday from 1:45 PM to 2:15 PM
Life during the Erie Canal was complex for anyone: the civil war, reconstruction, and the social movements are just a few examples of the height of the canal went through. Women have had many challenges with the canal however it has also played pivotal rolls on social reforms. Emeres yourself into the time of the canal and uncover the climate that women had to face.
Come explore the triumph and tragedies of the Erie Canal. Uncover the details of each theme behind the Waterway of Change exhibit! Look at the land itself while getting a deeper dive into the point of views that created a lasting impact of the Erie Canal had on New York and The United States of America.
Please note that these tours will begin inside and continue outside the exhibit. There is walking involved in different types of terrain. Please contact Megan DeJoe at Mdejoe@buffalohistory.org for questions.
Located in downtown Buffalo, Canalside is an area of the waterfront that can be accessed through entrances off Marine Drive and Main Street. It’s also accessible by the NFTA-Metro rail (Erie Canal Harbor stop). For GPS navigation, enter “Canalside Buffalo” or use “44 Prime St., Buffalo, NY 14202” as the destination address.
The Buffalo History Museum and Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation are committed to making our exhibits, public programs, and other offerings inclusive and welcoming for all visitors.
Service animals:
Service dogs specially trained to assist a person with a disability are welcome.
For visitors with limited mobility:
All exhibits, including Waterways of Change, are wheelchair and mobility device accessible.
For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing:
All exhibition films are open captioned.
For visitors with sensory sensitivities or anyone who prefers a calmer museum experience, we are offering a Sensory Hour every Sunday from 11:00am-12:00pm with limited crowd size, muted audio components and dimmed lighting. Additionally, we have sensory kits available at all times that include noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and various fidget and texture toys.
If you have accessibility needs or questions about any of our visitor experiences, please reach out to guest services at eriecanal@buffalohistory.org or call (716) 873-9644 ext. 501.
Wheelchair-accessible public and family restrooms are available inside the Longshed building and Gateway building.