Hundreds of thousands of exhibits reveal the long and fascinating history of Western New York at this charming museum, which is over 150 years old.
Start your visit to Buffalo with a trip to the Buffalo History Museum, where you will see the story of the local area unfold through in-depth exhibits. Housed in a stately neoclassical building on the banks of Hoyt Lake, the museum is the perfect destination for those who want to find out more about the city at the same time as they see a beautiful landmark.
Look up at the elegant white columns and Grecian-style roof of the Buffalo History Museum and get a sense of the historic importance of this ornate building. The museum was established in 1862, but its current building was not constructed until the end of the 19th century. Wander its halls today and encounter over 100,000 objects as well as an additional 200,000 photos and 20,000 books. Many of these are held in the museum’s extensive library, alongside other interesting artifacts such as diaries, letters and newspapers.
Discover the journey taken by the city of Buffalo through industrialization, advances in transportation and rapid social change. The permanent collections cover everything from former U.S. presidents to local companies that played a major role in shaping the region’s history. One of the most interesting collections is the Newlywed Project, which includes items belonging to couples who have been able to marry since the recognition of same-sex unions in New York State. Another fascinating collection contains vintage menus sourced from local restaurants revealing diners’ tastes from past decades.
Check the schedule of activities at the Buffalo History Museum before you visit, as the site hosts a wide range of events for visitors of all ages throughout the year. These include talks, workshops, special guided tours and fun events such as vintage car shows.
Find the Buffalo History Museum west of lovely green Delaware Park. Come on a sunny day and bring a picnic for leisurely enjoyment in the gorgeous surroundings. Pay an admission fee to enter. The museum is a non-profit, so your money will go into preserving and improving this wonderful resource.
