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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09/02/2026

The Stories behind the Stories: An Evening with Dale Anderson & Jeff Simon

09/04/2026

History Meets the Huddle: Behind the Scenes Tour of the World’s Largest Buffalo Bills Collection

09/05/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

09/05/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

09/08/2026

Memory Cafe

09/09/2026

25 Years of Purpose: Preserving our Stories, Shaping our Legacy

09/12/2026

Pan-American Walking Tour

09/12/2026

Builders of the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

09/12/2026

Women on the Canal Tour at the Waterway of Change Exhibit

09/16/2026

Members-Only Preview: Long Way Home: 40 Years of the Goo Goo Dolls

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

Saturday, August 29

M & T Bank founded, 1856

Hungarian Reformed Church dedicated, 1915

Clinton & Pulaski, Buffalo, NY

Cuba Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Medina Day at the Pan-American Exposition, 1901

Sunday, August 30

Liberty Party convention opens, 1843

Under a tent in Lafayette Square

Formal Opening of Kenilworth Park, 1902

Monday, August 31

Officer Edward Obertean dies in shoot-out with the Klan, 1924

128 Durham Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA

McKinley assassin Leon Czolgosz rents a room above John Nowak's saloon, 1901

1078 Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14212, USA

Liberace performs at Melody Fair & visits St. Casimir's Church, 1975

Groundbreaking ceremony for Metro Rail project, 1984

Tuesday, September 1

Concorde supersonic jet lands at Buffalo airport, 1986

Buffalo holds a banquet to celebrate laying the first trans-Atlantic cable, 1858

St. James Hall

The Buffalo Public Library opens to the public, 1897

Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

Old Home Week begins, 1907

Wednesday, September 2

Niagara section of Thruway opened, 1960

Presidential candidate Woodrow Wilson gives Labor Day speech, 1912

Buffalo Public Library Opens, 1897

First meeting to form Zonta Club held, 1919

Hotel Buffalo (then the Hotel Statler), Washington at Swan St, Buffalo

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