The Buffalo History Museum

The Buffalo History Museum Experiencing history with you by remembering, discovering, and sharing our stories; sparking emotion
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The Buffalo History Museum has been Western New York's premier historical organization since 1862. We are the keepers of the authentic stories that make our community unique. Our collections, exhibits, and programs tell the stories of the people, events, and movements that demonstrate Western New York's essential place in shaping American history. The Buffalo History Museum’s annual operations are

supported, in part, by public funds from the County of Erie and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and by the generosity of our members, donors, and friends.

What stories can a single object tell?This brass bugle, dating to about 1894, was left behind at the encampment of Count...
05/31/2026

What stories can a single object tell?

This brass bugle, dating to about 1894, was left behind at the encampment of Count Rybakowski’s Army for Industrial Democracy, a branch of the larger Coxey’s Army movement. Led by Chicago newspaper editor Jozef Rybakowski, nearly 200 unemployed Polish workers marched from Chicago to Buffalo during the economic depression that followed the Panic of 1893, hoping to continue on to Washington, D.C., to petition Congress for relief.

Their journey ended in Cheektowaga during what became known as the “Battle of Hobo Run,” when police and sheriff’s forces dispersed the group and arrested more than 100 marchers. This bugle remains as a tangible reminder of a little-known chapter in Buffalo’s labor and immigrant history.

📍 💻 On view through the digital collections page available on The Buffalo History Museum website!

Flashback Friday 🇺🇸Although Memorial Day was observed earlier this week, today we’re looking back at Buffalo’s Memorial ...
05/29/2026

Flashback Friday 🇺🇸

Although Memorial Day was observed earlier this week, today we’re looking back at Buffalo’s Memorial Day traditions with this photograph from May 1957.

Captured on Delaware Avenue near Tracy Street, this Memorial Day Parade reflects the community spirit, remembrance, and patriotism that have long been part of honoring those who served.

📸 Preferred Citation: Collection of The Buffalo History Museum. General picture collection, Parades - Memorial Day.

🎨✨Join us on June 11 for Paint the Town, The Buffalo History Museum’s Art Auction celebrating the creativity, talent, an...
05/28/2026

🎨✨Join us on June 11 for Paint the Town, The Buffalo History Museum’s Art Auction celebrating the creativity, talent, and vision of Buffalo artists.

Experience Buffalo through the eyes of its artists while enjoying an unforgettable evening of art, community, and inspiration.

🖼️ Art Auction
📍 The Buffalo History Museum
🗓️ June 11, 2026
⏰ 5:30–8 PM

Tickets are going fast — get yours today!

SupportLocalArtists ExploreBuffalo

194 years ago on this day in 1832, Dr. Ebenezer Johnson was named the first Mayor of Buffalo.His home stood between pres...
05/28/2026

194 years ago on this day in 1832, Dr. Ebenezer Johnson was named the first Mayor of Buffalo.

His home stood between present-day Chippewa Street and Tupper Street, in the area now known as Johnson Park in Buffalo’s West Village. His property covered about 25 acres and included gardens, orchards, and the famous “Johnson Cottage.”

This painted view of the Johnson Cottage and the lithographed portrait is preserved in the collection of The Buffalo History Museum.

📸 Preferred Citation: Collection of The Buffalo History Museum. General photograph collection, Buildings – Residences – Private.

Step into GLAM and take a piece of Buffalo style history home with you. ✨At The Buffalo History Museum, experience the a...
05/27/2026

Step into GLAM and take a piece of Buffalo style history home with you. ✨

At The Buffalo History Museum, experience the artwork of Patricia Roberts — a celebrated fashion illustrator whose work appeared in Buffalo’s iconic department stores including Hengerer’s, L.L. Berger, and AM&A’s from the 1950s through the 1990s.

In GLAM exhibit curated by our Executive Director Melissa N. Brown, you can view Robert’s illustrations up close — and now you can take them home with you. Shop exclusive scarves, mugs, and more inspired by Patricia Roberts’ timeless designs in our

This month, The Buffalo History Museum hosted our Annual Members’ Evening — a special tradition where we gather to celeb...
05/26/2026

This month, The Buffalo History Museum hosted our Annual Members’ Evening — a special tradition where we gather to celebrate and thank the members and donors whose support makes our work possible.

Enjoy a few photos from this wonderful evening, including an incredible performance by Frank Scinta, who filled the Museum with his masterful piano skills.

A special thank you to our Membership & Volunteer Coordinator, Kara Purpura, for coordinating such a memorable evening for our Museum community. ✨

We’d also like to thank , Director of Exhibits, Anthony Greco and Erie County Historian, Doug Kohler for helping make it possible to preview our Pan-American Exposition 1901 digital screen experience during the evening.

There’s always time to become a member and be part of the stories, programs, and experiences that keep Buffalo’s history alive. We’re open Wednesday through Sunday — stop by, plan your visit, and learn more at www.BuffaloHistory.org.

🇺🇸This Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.This POW/MIA bracelet, c...
05/25/2026

🇺🇸This Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.

This POW/MIA bracelet, ca. 1970, belonged to Col. Robert Raymond Dyczkowski of Buffalo, New York. Inscribed with “Maj. Robert Dyczkowski/4-24-66,” the bracelet served as a personal reminder of an airman who never returned home from the Vietnam War.

On April 23, 1966, Col. Dyczkowski was flying a mission over North Vietnam when his aircraft crashed and he was declared Missing in Action. For years, his family and fellow servicemen searched for answers. In 2000, advances in forensic science finally led to his identification, bringing long-awaited closure decades after his disappearance.

Today, Col. Dyczkowski is memorialized at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

As we reflect this Memorial Day, we honor his sacrifice and the countless others who served and never returned.

🏛️Preferred Citation: Collection of The Buffalo History Museum.

🪖Gift of Anonymous.

Join us at The Buffalo History Museum on May 30th for Votes, Voices, & Victory — a special Buffalo tour celebrating su...
05/22/2026

Join us at The Buffalo History Museum on May 30th for Votes, Voices, & Victory — a special Buffalo tour celebrating suffragists in partnership with Shea’s & SUFFS, the acclaimed Broadway musical bringing the fight for women’s rights to life.

From the streets of Buffalo to the national stage, discover the voices that helped shape the movement for equality and democracy.

📍 1–2 PM
🎟 $15 | $6 for members
📅 May 30

History. Theater. Activism. All connected through the power of women’s voices.

05/21/2026

Children’s Book Club is coming to the “Waterway of Change” exhibit! 📚🌊

Join us on Thursday, May 28 from 5–6:30 PM at the Longshed at Canalside for a special evening with author H.R. Gordon discussing The Summer the Canal Came to Town: A Story of Adventure and Change Along the Erie Canal.

Discover stories of adventure, change, and life along the Erie Canal through this engaging family-friendly program.

This event is FREE! Reserve your spot today.

Hosted by The Buffalo History Museum at the “Waterway of Change” exhibit.

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Address

One Museum Court
Buffalo, NY
14216

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+17168739644

Website

https://form.jotform.com/260555287607060

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