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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08/02/2026

Black Experience Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

08/02/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

08/02/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

08/06/2026

A Little Building. A Big Party.

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

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

Thursday, July 30

Peace Day celebrated, 1913

Erie Beach amusement park

Tornado touches down in Cheektowaga, 1987

Marshall McLuhan gives speech, 1973

National Commissioners Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Friday, July 31

Sturges grain elevator destroyed by fire, 1866

Elks Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Daemen University opens, 1947

Daemen University, 4380 Main St, Amherst, NY 14226, USA

West Side Rowing Club destroyed by fire, 1975

Broderick Park, Unity Island, Buffalo

Saturday, August 1

Buffalo General Electric Co. incorporated, 1892

Tim Russert's childhood home demolished, 2012

Woodside Ave

Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge opens, 1848

Slavery abolished in Ontario, Canada, 1834

Sunday, August 2

Universalist Church cornerstone laid, 1864

Main Street

18th U.S. Golf Open is held at Country Club of Buffalo, 1912

The Country Club of Buffalo, 250 Youngs Rd, Buffalo, NY 14221, USA

St. Joseph's Male Orphan Asylum (Father Baker's) incorporated, 1851

Lackawanna, NY, USA

Iroquois Hotel opens, 1889

345 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

Monday, August 3

St. Anthony of Padua cornerstone laid, 1891

160 Court St., Buffalo, NY

Battle of Black Rock, 1814

Vicinity of Niagara & Ferry

First professional baseball game, 1877

Former Prospect Skating Club onNiagara St. between Vermont & Rhode Island

AC/DC performs in Buffalo, 1996

Memorial Auditorium

AAM Accredited Museum Badge