I was here to hear a man dressed as President Abe Lincoln recite "The Gettysburg Address" in celebration of Mr. Lincoln's birthday. It was presented before a crowd of 150-200 people, including a good number of children!!! After Mr.Lincoln completed his presentation, there was a wreath laid on the portico by the statue of Mr. Lincoln, overlooking the lake behind the museum. A rifle was fired three times. After the wreath laying, there was birthday cake! "The Gettysburg Address", a speech still relevant today. read more

The Buffalo History Museum - Mr.Lincoln's birthday cake - Museums Near Me - Buffalo, New York

My most recent visit to the museum was actually to check out the cherry blossoms in the back. I've been inside before but not on this visit. The museum is a great place to learn some history of Buffalo. My favorite exhibit was the recreation of the office of Tim Russett (Meet the Press host) exhibit. He was always vocal on his love of Buffalo & the Buffalo Bills. The grounds outside the museum besides the cherry blossoms include the Japanese Garden. Well worth checking out. Side note. Right beyond the side of MANY signs on the grounds saying to not pick the blossoms, climb the trees, etc one of the first things I saw was a father taking pictures of his son up in the tree! Why?? 2025-26 read more

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This is an absolutely beautiful building for receptions or lectures, with a lovely garden for weddings and cherry-blossom festivals. As a teaching institution, it's difficult to glean connections. There's a *tiny* Iroquois "long house" on the second floor, but in the basement is where the means of the destruction of tribal lands is displayed: Surveyor stakes and measuring chains. No mention of stealing indigenous land is made. There's a brief mention of alcohol getting used as barter currency, but no display of actual currency. It's like a wealthy relative's attic was assembled in a big Greek Revival building. Why is there a rifle from Harper's Ferry in this particular museum? The placard does not say. Perhaps the most disappointing is how large a space is occupied by the history of the Buffalo Bills. read more

The Buffalo History Museum - The Holland Land Company stole indigenous lands in Western New York, and sold it off acre by acre, using these tools. - Museums Near Me - Buffalo, New York

The Buffalo Museum's waterway of change museum at canalside is a wonderful, informative journey through the Erie Canal. The museum contains exhibits showing how the Haudenosaunee people lost their land to the development of the canal and how the canal changed Buffalo, it's people and the city. Well done. I learned a lot and had a nice time exploring. read more

Update on 12/7/24. Another great visit to the Buffalo history Museum today. This time to see some of the political cartoons drawn by artist Adam Zyglis in the past 20 years. He is a native of Western New York. His editorial cartoons are insightful. Lending one to think deeply about social and political issues of the day. There is no fee for admission at this museum. The suggested donation is $10 per person and it's well worth it. read more

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The grounds of the museum is a destination itself, the Japanese garden is beautiful as are the cherry blossoms this time of year. The walk continued down the bike path which follows along the historical Scajaquada creek. Buffalo has a wonderful parks system I encourage visitors to look up its history. I'm excited to return & review the museum itself. read more

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I visited on a Saturday in February and found a parking spot by the entrance. The building is very beautiful and so is the landscaping. I found many interesting exhibits to view. Our history is covered from Native American culture to present day. The Apostle clock, located on the first floor, is amazing to watch. I love coming here in the spring when the trees are in blossom. It's breathtaking. read more

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This is a national class museum, which transcends regional culture and local historical artifacts. It explores Western New York's role and larger society, including Haudenoshonee Native American events in the context of the Civil War, the emergence of the Erie Canal, and Great Lakes in national and international shipping and of course the role of Western New York, and the national sports scene. Displays are very nicely presented. All ages will be entertained and educated. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. read more

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This museum tells a slightly better and more inclusive story of Buffalo's history than it did not too many years ago. Displays are more organized and thoughtful but the overall experience here remains one that is minus the technical tools to lay out the breadth and depth of this region. More interior space has been carved from moribund square footage but it still won't be enough space to even scratch the surface of this city. read more

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If you have never (like me) been to the Buffalo History Museum, or haven't been there in a long time, now is a great time to go. Currently, admission is "pay what you wish," though they suggest a $10 donation for adults. Admission with an Arts Access pass for people with disabilities is always free. Three floors of displays enable experiencing Buffalo and Erie County in ways that are educational and entertaining. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Gallery on the upper level will delight the sports fan. The Train Gallery on the lower level will thrill visitors of all ages. The Research Library on the main level is available to all with an interest in our area's founding, settling, development, and future. So much to see; so much to do. You will want to return often. Special events and new displays make this museum always a work in progress. Be sure to check out the gift shop. It's never too early to find that special Christmas or birthday gift. read more

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I stopped at The Buffalo History Museum on my way back from a visit to the Theodore Roosevelt Inauguration National Historic Site back in January. I had visited a few times before and was pleased to see the museum and its exhibits are undergoing some renovations. Before I discuss the exhibits, I'd be remiss to not talk about the building itself and its surroundings. The beautiful Hoyt Lake and Japanese Gardens are not to be missed! Now that we've explored the outside, it's time to enter the gorgeous historic building. The building is stunning and I can marvel at the building itself for quite a while. On the chilly January day I visited, reservations were required and there was free admission. It looks like admission is "pay what you want" currently. Perhaps that will change after the renovations? I really enjoyed all of the exhibits because I love Buffalo and I love Buffalo history. However, some were indeed better than others. My favorites included the Buffalo Sports history, Tim Russert, how the city has transformed, and I also liked the railroad set on the bottom level. I'm looking forward to visiting again when the renovations are done. Speaking of renovations, when it reopens be sure to check out the nearby Albright Knox Art Gallery that is also undergoing a major renovation! read more

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What is not to like about the museuem? It's a beautiful building, in a beautiful setting. Take a walk around the Japanese garden, learn some history about Buffalo - it's time well spent. They've recently undergone significant renovation and the ground floor it's now accessible after many years of neglect. I attended the Japan Culture Day and I didn't spend too much time exploring the regular displays aside from the model railroad. It's on my to do list for a winter outing. read more

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I love museums. It could be anything obscure or mainstream, but whatever it is I want to learn about it. The Buffalo History Museum is a great place to check out Buffalo's history. The building is absolutely stunning. I love art deco and the main room that contains the stairs and piano is wonderful. The ground around the building are also a sight to behold, including the Japanese garden and the portico is fantastic. I enjoy walking around the exhibits. The Buffalo sports exhibit provides interaction and is a fun atmosphere. I like seeing Tim Russert's desk as well. There is also Native American artifacts, and Buffalo momentums from the past. The exhibit I saw downstairs included items that had been restored. I liked viewing all of the paintings. The train exhibit it also fun to look at. Also, they have free parking and lots of parking, which is always a plus when visiting a museum. Do check out their gift shop. Museum gift shops are always the best and have a bunch of unique items. From now until the end of the year The Buffalo History Museum is free to attend, but do make a donation. read more

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This treasure trove covers everything from Native America times to the present. The gift shop is excellent. read more

The Buffalo History Museum - Decorated for winter holidays. - Museums Near Me - Buffalo, New York

The Buffalo History museum does a great job of showcasing some of Buffalo's history. It falls short on being interactive, and could be improved with more kid-friendly exhibits. There are three levels, accessible by stairs or elevator. On the ground level they host events and have an auditorium. This space also houses special exhibits, which was on women's suffrage and a connection to key women in Buffalo who played a role. On the lower level, almost half of it is dedicated to a model train, another part is store fronts with pretty interesting looking antiques, and the other room was dedicated to famous people from Erie County. There's also a play space down here for kids. On the upper level the Ralph Wilson room housed a ton of Buffalo sports history. There was also a small space dedicated to Native Americans, and another room dedicated to immigrants in WNY. The museum is in an impressive building and houses a lot of antiques and interesting artifacts, but some of the displays fell short of my expectations. The Ralph Wilson room looked fantastic, and had an interactive component (try to be a sports announcer!) but most of the museum did not have too many opportunities to be interactive. There was a lot to go through, and we spent 2 hours going through it all. read more

The Buffalo History Museum - View from the upper level - Museums Near Me - Buffalo, New York

The question you have to ask yourself is: "How much of a local history buff are you?" The museum is occupied (I wouldn't call it filled) with local history. The bottom level has a rather impressive model railroad, and some re-created shopfronts from the past. The main level contains the very cool apostolic clock, and the State Court. The State Court itself is pretty impressive! It contained many placards dedicated to the Women's Suffrage Movement, but no historical artifacts that I could remember. Upper level had a lot more history and artifacts. It contained artifacts from Sport history, Native American history, a re-creation of Tim Russert's office, and an exhibit dedicated to the different communities that make/made up Buffalo. To be completely honest, I'm not a history buff, an I still found the experience underwhelming. From outside, it is an impressive building, but the amount within doesn't seem to line up. All my critiques notwithstanding, they do a very good job honoring Buffalo's history. read more

The third Friday of the month is always free admission with free parking in the lot.The museum is very interesting and educational. They have Party On the Portico in the summer months which is always fun with a different band entertaining you each time.The Japanese Cherry Blossom festival is always breathtakingly beautiful, as is walking around hoyt lake.I attended the first annual Sweethearts Dance which was 50's inspired and had plenty of music , dancing , hors d'oeuvre and desserts and was such a amazing night out. read more

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My adult kids and I love coming here. It's a wonderful place to go to learn more about Buffalo's history. They have a beautiful clock in the front as soon as you walk in, that you must check out. 2 summers ago, my kids & I went into the room with old fashioned costumes & items & took pics. It was so cute, fun & funny as hell. This time though, my son & I were at the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival behind the History Museum & we only went in for a minute. Otherwise, I highly recommend going there for an hour or so with your kids & then take a walk in the back, by the water & enjoy the view. There's a store Inside, but it is VERY pricey !! read more

The Buffalo History Museum - Museums Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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Very cute museum. It's pay what you will. Great option on a hotter/colder temperature day.

Lots to do and see here, the third Friday of the month is free and there is always plenty of free parking in their lot.It's always nice to visit when the Japanese Cherry Blossom festival is going on , it's so pretty.Plus just strolling around hoyt lake is incredible. In the summer months they have a Party on the Portico event which is a fun event with a different band playing each time.Recently I attended their first annual Sweathesrts Dance, it was live music and dancing with a 50's motif, it included hors d'oeuvres desserts and was very entertaining. read more

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Our bus group made a trip to visit the Buffalo History Museum Resource Center (459 Forest Avenue) and the Museum, itself. We had guided tours at both, with lunch in between. It's too bad the Resource Center is tucked away on the Museum webpage as I found it the more interesting of the two locations. It has an outstanding display from the Pan American Exhibition where President McKinley was shot and later died nearby. It's a very modern exhibit housed in a repurposed trolly barn. The museum itself is in the only remaining original building from the expo. It a beautiful building from the outside with nice gardens, but the majority of the building is without air conditioning and somewhat deteriorated. There are plans for some renovations. Exhibits are a conglomeration. There's a sports memorabilia room, a model train exhibit and other unrelated Buffalo themes housed in the building in a random manner on 3 levels. A piano from the expo is in the atrium while a very unique Apostolic's clock sits opposite the gift shop! Both a worth a visit, with my preference being the Resource Center. read more

The Buffalo History Museum - Exhibition - Museums Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I hadn't been the the museum since completing my grad thesis and using the museum's research library. Much has changed. There's more to see and it's worth stopping by on a rainy afternoon. If you haven't visited in a while, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Or visit the Japanese garden just behind the museum. It's a bit unkempt but still a pretty place to stroll. read more

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I've been inside the museum numerous times, but most of the time I honestly come here just for the landscaping and to walk around. It's sort of loosely connected to Hoyt Lake and there's a little Japanese Gardens here. I even came here during my wedding to take wedding photos. I was here most recently to enjoy the sun and loved walking around where the Japanese Gardens are. As far as the history museum itself, I haven't honestly spent too much time inside aside from the events, but I would definitely come to the area to visit the park and Japanese Gardens. You don't need to pay for admission to do it! read more

Hadn't been here since pre-pandemic. Altho this review is probably too late, if you are able to visit the museum 8/20, be sure to see the bflo stitch exhibit! way exceeded my expectations, but it ends tomorrow. 8/20 is a free day, i believe, and some of the refugees will be present, along with live demonstrations of their work. read more

Buffalo has a very rich and dynamic history. A small and traditional history is captured through the lens of the privilege. I found the erasure tone deaf and offensive. A cohesive story of sports is conveyed. An entire section on sports smh! While the histories of non-white folks and LGBTQ+ begin and end with containment and respectability politics told from the colonizer. The racial makeup of the city is not mentioned. Nor is the dynamics of class/poverty or the once bustling scene on Jefferson Blvd. The noise and traffic (wedding parties and staff) from wedding preparations are inappropriate. While, the museum/city makes money from these events there should be a better system. read more

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3rd Fridays from M&T are held here. That means you can come and see if for free. The building, built in the 1850's & '60s is magnificent. The grounds were designed by Olmstead. Free and open to the public to walk around anytime. Once inside the museum, you will see a variety of things, some are permanent, others rotate. What just opened is a display called "Tim Russert's Office" - honoring Buffalos own Tim Russert obviously. Its on the upstairs level and not only recreates his office, which they have done through personal input form those who worked with him as well as pictures, but it also has snippets about his life and work. Next to that is the "Made in Buffalo" exhibit, which will be ending sometime in the next few months, but is fascinating. You can see how many things were made in Buffalo but were sold or used worldwide. Cheerios, the heart Pacemaker, Kazoos and many many more things that were manufactured in Buffalo. Praxair - a huge industrial gas company was founded in Buffalo and still have offices here. They have an area telling all about their history here. There's the Johns Oishei Native American Gallery, which is a permanent exhibit on the second level. This exhibit has some true-to-life things and is very interesting. A very "modern" exhibit tells about the War in the Niagara Theater (1812). This exhibit uses tablets and military reenactments to teach you about a war fought long before cell phones, ipads and machine guns had been thought of. There's a part dedicated to the various neighborhoods of "old Buffalo" which will be interesting to anyone who grew up here. It tales about the various immigrant migrations to the area and has old photos and street maps. For the kids there is a train section, and the trains are often running. Its a large train exhibit and very diverse, lots of different trains doing different things. There is also a series of events for the smaller set. There is also an active research room here, with incredible records of Buffalo and the entire region in various formats. There are librarians to help you if looking for something. This only touches on what's available here. This museum, located near the Albright, has a rich and diverse set of shows. Its interesting for adults and children. If you are a member (starts at $30/year) you can come anytime for free. Otherwise its $7 for adults, free for kids under 7. Easy parking. Beautiful grounds. Addressing a few of the other reviews - Food Truck Rodeo, Beer Tasting Events etc. are not the History Museum. They should have their own listings perhaps, but regardless, its not what's in the museum, rather events at the museum or in the parking lot. (1300) read more

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Came here from NYC, I couldn't believe my eyes when I went to this museum. Specially when we met Johnny. He was one of the best bud. Tried his best to show us everything on the museum. Played little piano, making out visiting amazing experience. I would love to come back again if I ever get chance. Thank you so much Johnny, the world need more people like you. Much love, God bless your soul. read more

I am a huge, HUGE lover of all things historical, so naturally the History Museum ranks pretty highly in my list of favorite places in Buffalo. The day I paid a visit was a weekday, and the museum was relatively empty save for myself and a couple of other patrons who were utilizing the library. Entry fee was only $7 for myself, though there are discounts for Senior & Students, and members can enter for free. The exhibits they had on display were quite interesting to see, and really informative! A part of the upper level had been blocked off during our visit (and peeking behind the barriers, it looked like they were setting up an exhibit on all different sorts of transportation), but there were also exhibits on Tim Russert, native americans, and foreign immigration to Buffalo. The third was the one I enjoyed the most, as it was really cool to see some of the different things that were brought into the city by families, and the way the world influenced how people were treated during that time period, and how they lived. Admission also gives you access to their library, which has all sorts of documents to sift through, such as maps and death notices. I do wish that there was a little bit more to see, but I think the displays they had there were really cool! I'd love to come back during the spring or summer and explore any new exhibits they have to offer. read more

The Research Library at the Buffalo History museum has hidden gold for genealogy searches, Buffalo history, or for use of their on line resources. I found old street atlases with property owners listed and got sidetracked by a collection of postcards of everything from canal boats to historic buildings. While I was there there were 2 genealogists pouring over old digitized newspapers, a reporter came in looking for details on an old cemetery, and two woman needed information on a 1950's radio show. One of the top uses is local home owners interested in the history of their house and neighborhood. The librarians, and volunteers are very helpful. Just a warning you will totally lose track of time. Library hours are different than museum. 1-5 Wed - Sat read more

I still call this place The Buffalo Historical Society Building, which is what it was known as when I was a kid. This was the place we'd come in the winter to stretch our legs, in the summer to cool off, with school to learn the difference between Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns (I still remember that), just a great place to explore, learn and have fun overall. The Buffalo History Museum is such a staple in my heart and memories that when it came time to tie the knot (11+ years ago now), saying "I do" in the Grand Courtyard here was a no-brainer. It's a wonderful event space, which incorporates the museum itself into the event. I suppose the museum exhibit space would be considered small in comparison to other museums. You can get through it all as quickly or as slow as you'd like, depending on how much you read. The exhibits are well done, but simple set-ups that don't change out often. It's not tech'y or ultra-modern, some of the exhibits themselves are historic, haha. The basement old-time city street has basically been the same for a decade-plus. Some of that surely has to do with funding and staffing resources, I'm sure. But even with the content of the museum staying the same over time, it's still a great place to keep learning something new, and looking at history with a new perspective as time goes on. Upstairs there is a great Buffalo sports history set-up, and a Native American longhouse exhibit. The main level has a cute gift shop with a great local author book selection too. Check out the museum's Facebook page for lots of events, including M & T's Free Third Fridays; admission is free every third Friday of the month and the museum stays open later that night. Sure, the Buffalo History Museum isn't as flashy and upgraded as some museums can be, but I kind of like it that way. History doesn't change, but our view of it does. That makes the Buffalo History Museum forever relevant, no matter how often the content is updated. Enjoy your visit! read more

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Sketches and paintings chronicle two centuries of growth of the city of Buffalo and surrounding land, and portraiture ranges from Peter Porter, one time Secretary of War, to Presidents Grover Cleveland and Millard Fillmore. Currently the home of The Red Jacket exhibit. read more

The Buffalo History Museum - Museums Near Me - Buffalo, New York

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I grew up in a suburb of Buffalo NY and utilized the services of my city to the maximum. I have a five part graduate degree that I teach with, and I feel I owe it in part to all of the amenities that Buffalo provided for me in my childhood and young adulthood. Over the years when I visit Buffalo, I love going to Delaware Park to visit the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and to see the Historical Society. I live now in the San Francisco, CA area and am pleased to say that the Historical Society is anything but California in it's style. That is to say, it's still low cost to free and also free of multi-media distractions that prevent one from fully experiencing a hands-on museum like those of my youth. Amazingly, unlike anything in my current home of San Francisco, the Historical Society manages to stay afloat with a fraction of the funding that goes into similar institutions in SF. Bear in mind that it represents virtually three times the history of any CA city, and you have to look and query to find your way through the establishment. The people who run the place are excited about the nearly endless supply of documents and objects of interest, too numerous to display. They are highly trained professionals who are wonderfully supportive of those who are self motivated students of American and especially Western NY history. The Street of Shops is over 40 years old which means you see a display of how things looked during my own childhood. It is in fact possible to take your kids to see things that people of my age experienced as kids. There are exhibits from the 1990s and 2000s on the second floor, and at the bottom of the stairs the staff mounts a new exhibit every year or so. The State Court have had three different photographic exhibitions on display since Sept. 2007. Bear in mind as well that such establishments as the Historical Society are places where people like me used to spend many warm days in our childhood winters. I grew up expecting to visit museums in all great cities ... such as Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum where I've spend many of my lunch hours when working for the Theater Workshop Boston. On the way to Niagara Falls or visiting with friends and family in the WNY area, one would do well to visit this venerable establishment as well as the art gallery across the park. Remember to query the librarian for tall helping of assistance. It's a great place with a truly dedicated staff. read more

3 stars if you're in it for the museum part, 5 if you're in it for the architecture and surrounding vistas! The museum is fun - it's a little cluttered in the regular upstairs part. The special exhibits are lovely. I just happen to be a history museum junky so I may be a little harsher than others. The building... OH MY WORD. So much fun for events and general revelry. Gift shop is great. read more

I give this building five stars for insanely beautiful architecture, inside and out. It's also a great venue for weddings and other festivities. In the summer they have a series of Parties on the Portico that attract a wide variety of Buffalonians and offer music, light snacks, and drinks. Admission is $10 for not-yet members and $5 for members.. The exhibits are, as you would expect, about Buffalo's illustrious past. They include some recreations of frontier living, small old shops, and all sorts of contributions Buffalo and its denizens have made to society. Outside, on the lower level are newer serene Japanese gardens for walking and contemplation. Conveniently located, the museum is only a block away from the Albright Knox Gallery and the Burchfield-Penney Gallery, both worth your time. read more

Went here for the free Friday they are running. My wife actually wanted to take the kids at some other point and I told her I didn't think that was a good idea, as the only other time I was here was back when they had a Beer tasting like 10 years ago, and I remembered it being pretty boring. Could be that I was drunk but you would think that would make it more fun. We did not take the kids on the free Friday and I am glad as it is definitely not a place for them. The exhibits are OK, bit dated in some instances, but still cool to see some of the stuff. Experiencing it sober allowed me a bit more time to read about some of the history of the items displayed, but really that is all you're going to do at this place, as it does not have to many interactive exhibits. (understandable to being a history museum but I think you could incorporate some things to grab your attention a bit more). Great gift shop of Buffalo themed items saves this place from a two star review. Worth checking out on the free day, but I'd feel a little less inclined to pay to go see the place. read more

Ok, Imma be honest here. I did not come to the museum to read the placards or see the exhibits. Did you know that they rent this place out for weddings and events?! I have no idea how much it costs, but it was worth every penny. Super classy space and you get the run of the museum (and the gift shop stays open) to go along with it. The ceremony was on the rear lawn on the terrace. Chairs are set up facing the base of the stairs and guests sit facing the lake and trees -- not facing the freeway that roars to the back-right corner. (The noise wasn't bad on a Sunday afternoon, only one roar delayed the ceremony and the rest was a mild buzz.) The cocktail hour was on the portico with the statue of Honest Abe below. Guests spread out over the portico, the steps, the terrace, and the grassy area below the terrace. There's also a path that connects the museum grounds with a pond, and the kids can run around down there without bothering anyone. (The only thing I would change is that I'd insist on 6 servers circulating with appetizers because the space is so large that some people never got nibbles with only 1 dedicated passer and 2 who were passing and taking back glassware.) The dinner was in the atrium. Think -- 2.5 story marble columns, with a balcony overhead, and polished black marble floors below. I would have personally opted for a smaller band (or a DJ) given the space constraints, but they made it work. You can fit 11 round tables for 8 downstairs and still have a bit of a dance floor, but the bar for dinner will have to stay outside on the portico. They also had 5 tables upstairs on the balcony (which worked pretty well because those tables had a great view of the festivities below). The weather could not have been better -- Buffalo in the middle of June is still spring and the lack of AC inside wasn't a problem, and the weather outside could not have been better (high 60s at night with low humidity). The gift shop selection is actually pretty cool (lots of vintage-y Buffalo themed stuff), and don't forget the clearance table in the corner. I also took a quick whirl around the exhibits and they're pretty good for what they are. A stronger chronological presentation may have helped, or perhaps just less alcohol on my part. ;) read more

Came here for the Food Truck Rodeo and I have just a few comments that may or may not be the museum's issue, but I don't know where else I'd make these comments... 1) Need port-a-potties. You can walk into the museum to use the bathrooms though. 2) Needs some sort of seating in the area. The food trucks are in a great spot but a few tents with tables and chairs on the black top there would be great! Huge difference from the Larkin Square Happy Hour where there is plenty of seating and tables. 3) Parking can be a challenge. I got there right at 5pm, on the dot! We still had to park far enough from where the trucks are. Not a huge deal to me, but if you have someone with you who doesn't want to walk this could pose an issue. Not a bad spot for out beloved food trucks, but some improvements could be made. I'd come back, but I would bring camping chairs, as some people did! read more

After visiting this museum, I felt like I knew so much more about Buffalo. It was nicely maintained and there was so much to read about Buffalo. The grounds are nicely kept and It overlooks the Japanese Garden. read more

I really want to like this museum, but they make it difficult. First, the good stuff. The shop is pretty good -- offering a lot of items of local interest. Fortunately, there has been an increase in publications about Buffalo and WNY history, and they can sell these items. The building itself is a classic -- they don't make'em like that anymore, and it's substantially intact without 20th century "improvements". The exhibits themselves are okay. They tell a story, and do a good job, but they haven't been updated in years. Props to their temporary exhibits, such as how Buffalo's citizens used to do funerals. Seriously! That was imaginitive, and I learned something. On the other hand, the exhibit on the Buffalo Bills seemed like it was pandering to bring in people. My biggest gripe, though, is that the museum and its staff are still stuck in the 1950s. Where are the outreach programs? On the free Fridays that they participate in, you will find crowds of people at the Albright Knox and the Burchfield Penney, but this place is EMPTY. Can they not think up anything to draw in crowds? When you develop a following, even on free days, they will support you with donations. It's the way to stay relevant. But this museum loudly proclaims that it has no interest in being relevant. I understand they rent out the space. That's great for raising revenue. But can't they also have Sunday afternoon teas? It would be a perfect place for brunch or tea, and it would raise revenue and bring people in the door. You could do themed teas, historical teas, whatever. My point is that they need some imaginative programming for their theater, their exhibits and their daily schedules. I don't see that happening. so by all means, visit the place. Once. You'll enjoy it, but there is no reason to ever go back. read more

Went to a wedding here, in July, and it was terrible. Yes, it's a pretty venue but there is no air conditioning. This was a couple of years ago so maybe they improved but they have zero business booking summer parties in the middle of the day. read more