Behind the Scenes Tour

Join us as we explore seldom-seen pieces of Buffalo history in our Resource Center with our collections team! Museum Members will get a sneak peek at how we store and care for more than 100,000 artifacts in our collection currently not on display. This members-only prog......More

Join us as we explore seldom-seen pieces of Buffalo history in our Resource Center with our collections team! Museum Members will get a sneak peek at how we store and care for more than 100,000 artifacts in our collection currently not on display. This members-only program is free for members. Become a member here Email our Membership and Volunteer Coordinator, Kara Purpura, at [email protected] to learn more about how to become a member and/or register. Space is limited—only 12 spots per tour. Pre-registration is required!

The Buffalo History Museum’s Resource Center, 459 Forest Ave, Buffalo, NY, 14213, United States

Mother's Day Brunch

Hosted by Tappo at the Museum. Ticket’s can be purchased here

The Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY, 14216, United States

Exploring Buffalo’s Industrial Past: Featuring 50 Years of Photographs

Michael Horowitz has spent 50 years documenting the rapidly disappearing places throughout the Northeast, using his lens to preserve them for our cultural memory. His book Cathedrals of Industry: Exploring the Factories and Infrastructure That Made America features the ......More

Michael Horowitz has spent 50 years documenting the rapidly disappearing places throughout the Northeast, using his lens to preserve them for our cultural memory. His book Cathedrals of Industry: Exploring the Factories and Infrastructure That Made America features the factories of Streit’s Matzo and Joyva and the last silk flower workshop in New York City’s Garment District, but also vast infrastructure like the Paterson Hydroelectric Plant and Bethlehem Steel. Horowitz photographs these places with the eye not only of a photographer but of someone who has taken the time to understand their inner workings—an understanding that is extended to the reader through the lively and carefully researched text. Join Michael at the museum for a visual presentation that will appeal to Buffalonians with a variety of interests, including history, architecture, engineering, and urban exploration. Books will be available to purchase in the Museum’s Gift Shop Tickets are $12 (free for Members) Purchase Tickets Here

The Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY, 14216, United States

Memory Cafe

Join us for our ‘Memory Cafe’ – a program for people with changes in their memory or thinking and the people who care for them. At each Memory Cafe, participants will view our museum exhibits and artifacts, create arts and crafts and socialize with one another. Each ses......More

Join us for our ‘Memory Cafe’ – a program for people with changes in their memory or thinking and the people who care for them. At each Memory Cafe, participants will view our museum exhibits and artifacts, create arts and crafts and socialize with one another. Each session includes lunch and coffee. Memory Cafe admission is $5, RSVP required. RSVP HERE Memory Cafe is made possible by Exhale and its funders: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Health Foundation for Western and Central New York

The Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY, 14216, United States

One Race: The Human Race

Come together with people from all walks of life to learn our shared humanity. This event aims to promote cultural unity & HEAL (Human Equality & Access Leadership). We honor our beloved community pillars lost in the 5/14 massacre at Tops Market on Jefferson Ave. Enjoy ......More

Come together with people from all walks of life to learn our shared humanity. This event aims to promote cultural unity & HEAL (Human Equality & Access Leadership). We honor our beloved community pillars lost in the 5/14 massacre at Tops Market on Jefferson Ave. Enjoy music, food, a word from Emmy Award Winning Poet Laureate, Jillian Hanesworth, and the Keynote Speaker, African Historian/Best Selling Author/Tedx Speaker, Emmanuel Kulu, Jr. The Social construct of “Race” has shaped Western society & the World. Many say, race has led to racism, violence, self hate, white supremacy, segregation, redlining, blockbusting, apartheid, miseducation, unfair labor practice, racial disparities, and more. Let’s embrace our differences and celebrate what brings us together as the Human race. Don’t miss out on this educational opportunity for change and connect with others to foster a sense of community. Event By: AAARIA Hosted by: Shantelle Patton of “That Brown Bag” Guest Speaker: Jillian Hanesworth Keynote Speaker: Emmanuel Kulu, Jr. Get tickets here

The Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY, 14216, United States

M&T Third Friday

Join us on M&T Third Friday for free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.! Discover Western New York’s rich history in more than a half-dozen exhibits, including “CONTINUUM: A HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY” and “ICONS: THE MAKERS AND MOMENTS OF BUFFALO SPORTS.” And bring the kids ......More

Join us on M&T Third Friday for free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.! Discover Western New York’s rich history in more than a half-dozen exhibits, including “CONTINUUM: A HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY” and “ICONS: THE MAKERS AND MOMENTS OF BUFFALO SPORTS.” And bring the kids for “Junior History Buffs” children’s programming from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This free admission day is made possible through the generosity of M&T Bank.

The Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY, 14216, United States

Junior History Buffs

This is a free program, reserve your spot here

The Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY, 14216, United States

The Pan-Am in 11 Objects

Come one, come all! Experience the Pan-American Exposition which took place right here in Buffalo in 1901! Executive Director, Melissa Brown, will speak about why Buffalo was honored with the distinction of hosting the event, interesting stories about the people who att......More

Come one, come all! Experience the Pan-American Exposition which took place right here in Buffalo in 1901! Executive Director, Melissa Brown, will speak about why Buffalo was honored with the distinction of hosting the event, interesting stories about the people who attended and the drama and scandal occurring behind the scenes. Bizarre, poignant and one-of-a-kind items from the collection related to the Pan-Am will be on display. Peruse the orientation exhibit “Return to the Rainbow City” in the State Court of the museum to see almost 100 Pan-Am keepsakes, and to learn more about the attractions and turn-of-the-century innovations that still impact Buffalo today. The cost is $20 and $10 for members. Doors open at 5:30PM. Purchase Tickets Here

The Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY, 14216, United States

Trivia Night

Test your knowledge of our city, pop culture, and beyond at the Museum’s Buffalo History trivia night! Bring a friend, or meet new friends for team-based Buffalo history trivia inside the State Court. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and prizes will be awar......More

Test your knowledge of our city, pop culture, and beyond at the Museum’s Buffalo History trivia night! Bring a friend, or meet new friends for team-based Buffalo history trivia inside the State Court. Beer and wine will be available for purchase, and prizes will be awarded for the winners! Maximum of four members per team. $10 admission/ $5 for members Doors open at 5:30 pm. Purchase Tickets Here

The Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY, 14216, United States

Happy Hour History: The Life and Times of Bennet Riley

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......More

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

The Buffalo History Museum, 1 Museum Court, Buffalo, NY, 14216, United States