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

Pan-Am Walking Tour

Come enjoy a tour of the ground where the Pan-American Exposition took place over 100 years ago.  Buffalo, which in 1901 was the 8th largest city in the United States, hosted over 8 million people from around the world.  Learn about the exhibits, the shows, the sounds a......More

Come enjoy a tour of the ground where the Pan-American Exposition took place over 100 years ago.  Buffalo, which in 1901 was the 8th largest city in the United States, hosted over 8 million people from around the world.  Learn about the exhibits, the shows, the sounds and smells that could be experienced while visiting the fair.  Start at the Buffalo History Museum, which is the only structure from the exposition that is still standing, and walk along streets of Buffalo where stadiums, buildings, fountains, and waterways once gave visitors strange, exotic and dramatic entertainment. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.  The cost is $20 ($10 for members) and includes a souvenir map guide.  The tour begins at The Buffalo History Museum at 10:30 AM. The tour takes place rain or shine (no rain date), so dress for the weather. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended. Purchase Tickets Here

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

Breakfast with General Lafayette

Come join the Black Rock Historical Society for a delightful morning with General Marquis de Lafayette Lafayette! This event will be a unique opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast while learning about the fascinating life of this beloved historical figure. General ......More

Come join the Black Rock Historical Society for a delightful morning with General Marquis de Lafayette Lafayette! This event will be a unique opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast while learning about the fascinating life of this beloved historical figure. General Lafayette played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War and had a significant impact on the history of the United States. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in history and enjoy a tasty meal at the same time! As the last surviving Major General of the Revolutionary War, General Lafayette was invited by President James Monroe and Congress to visit the 24-state Union for what would become his Farewell Tour of the United States of America. Accompanied by his Secretary Auguste Levasseur and his son George Washington Lafayette, he visited all 24 states of the Union in 14 months (August 1824 – September 1825). On June 4, 1825, Lafayette was welcomed to the village of Buffalo and on the following day was invited to breakfast at the Niagara Street home of Brigadier General/Erie Canal Commissioner Peter Buell Porter in the village of Upper Black Rock. Purchase tickets here

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

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 kpurpura@buffalohistory.org 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

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

Party on the Portico - Damone Jackson Outcome featuring MYQ Farrow Trio

Enjoy a concert on the back porch of the museum overlooking Mirror Lake. Play lawn games with friends. Satisfy your appetite with food and drinks from food trucks, a cash bar with local beers and wines, or complimentary snacks. Don’t miss a 20-year Buffalo tradition! Th......More

Enjoy a concert on the back porch of the museum overlooking Mirror Lake. Play lawn games with friends. Satisfy your appetite with food and drinks from food trucks, a cash bar with local beers and wines, or complimentary snacks. Don’t miss a 20-year Buffalo tradition! This event is a 21 and over event and runs rain or shine. Pre-sale tickets: $20 admission/ $10 for members Purchase HereDay-of tickets: $25 admission/ $15 members Season Passes are Available Here Doors open at 5:30pm, Event 6-9pm Thank you to our 2025 Party on the Portico Sponsors:

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

Pan-Am Walking Tour

Come enjoy a tour of the ground where the Pan-American Exposition took place over 100 years ago.  Buffalo, which in 1901 was the 8th largest city in the United States, hosted over 8 million people from around the world.  Learn about the exhibits, the shows, the sounds a......More

Come enjoy a tour of the ground where the Pan-American Exposition took place over 100 years ago.  Buffalo, which in 1901 was the 8th largest city in the United States, hosted over 8 million people from around the world.  Learn about the exhibits, the shows, the sounds and smells that could be experienced while visiting the fair.  Start at the Buffalo History Museum, which is the only structure from the exposition that is still standing, and walk along streets of Buffalo where stadiums, buildings, fountains, and waterways once gave visitors strange, exotic and dramatic entertainment. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.  The cost is $20 ($10 for members) and includes a souvenir map guide.  The tour begins at The Buffalo History Museum at 10:30 AM. The tour takes place rain or shine (no rain date), so dress for the weather. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended. Purchase Tickets Here

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

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 kpurpura@buffalohistory.org 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

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

Party on the Portico - the Funkensteins featuring nico zarcone

Enjoy a concert on the back porch of the museum overlooking Mirror Lake. Play lawn games with friends. Satisfy your appetite with food and drinks from food trucks, a cash bar with local beers and wines, or complimentary snacks. Don’t miss a 20-year Buffalo tradition! Th......More

Enjoy a concert on the back porch of the museum overlooking Mirror Lake. Play lawn games with friends. Satisfy your appetite with food and drinks from food trucks, a cash bar with local beers and wines, or complimentary snacks. Don’t miss a 20-year Buffalo tradition! This event is a 21 and over event and runs rain or shine. Pre-sale tickets: $20 admission/ $10 for members Purchase Tickets Here Day-of tickets: $25 admission/ $15 members Block Party tickets: 10 tickets for $150. Purchase 10 tickets at once to automatically receive 25% off. Doors open at 5:30pm, Event 6-9pm Thank you to our 2025 Party on the Portico Sponsors:  

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