BUFFALO HARBOR MUSEUM
Sharing Maritime History, Art & Science in Buffalo, NY
EXPLORE THE BUFFALO WATERFRONT
Uncover the Mystery of the Clifton
Dive into the fascinating history of the whaleback steamer Clifton, which met its tragic fate in Lake Huron on September 24, 1924. Join us at the Buffalo Harbor Museum, 66 Erie Street, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 6:30 PM for an engaging video presentation on the thrilling search and discovery by Dave Trotter in 2016.
Discover the Adventure. Experience the History.
Admission is free, with snacks and beverages available for purchase.
Knowledge is Our Mission
The Buffalo Harbor Museum has been established to increase and diffuse knowledge and appreciation of maritime history, art and science and in particular as related to the City of Buffalo and the Niagara Frontier.
To that end, the Buffalo Harbor Museum has established a maritime museum to collect, preserve and display objects of historic, artistic and scientific interest. Open to the public, the museum exhibits provide an overview to the history and development of the waterfront while relating artifacts and photographs to the trade and industry that made Buffalo the port of commerce.
A research library is maintained by the museum and is open to the public along with regular meetings that feature guest speakers who discuss topics of maritime interest.
Preservation is Our Passion
The museum publishes a bimonthly newsletter that details recent maritime activity in and around the Harbor of Buffalo, and features historical articles about significant harbor events, and people and ships that have had a significant role in the City's rich maritime past.
A book about the development of the Buffalo Harbor was published by the Buffalo Harbor Museum in 2011: "The Buffalo Waterfront - A History in Pictures," is the definitive guide to Buffalo's Inner and Outer Harbor, the Erie Basin, and the Black Rock Canal.
Most recently, The Buffalo Harbor Museum published "Fire and Water: Disasters on the Buffalo Harbor and Surrounding Waterfront" in 2015. It is a comprehensive volume of disasters on water and shorelines of the Niagara region that made headlines.
Museum Hours & Location
The Buffalo Harbor Museum is convenient and easy to reach from the Church and Oak Street exists of I -190. It is also a two blocks away from the Seneca Street station of Buffalo's Metro Rail.
Before or after a visit to the Naval and Serviceman's Park and the Central Wharf, stop at the Buffalo Harbor Museum where our displays and photographs will enlighten you to rich history of the Buffalo Waterfront. Other nearby venues include First Niagara Center, Coca Cola Field, Pearl Street Grill, St. Joseph's and St. Paul's Cathedrals.
Our museum is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM. Arrangements can be made to open the museum for special group tours on "off" days.
See What's Inside
The Buffalo Harbor Museum is in a building that was once the home of long-time Buffalo ship chandler Howard H. Baker and Company. (The ship chandlery business was central to the existence of dynamic ports and their waterfronts that supplied sails and ropes and other supplies for sailing ships . During contemporary times they deal in goods typical for today's freighters).
Within is a warm and inviting setting where displays and exhibits provide an overview of the evolution of the Buffalo Waterfront along with artifacts from the vessels that sailed the Great Lakes. Among the exhibits is our research library along with a modest gift store. The archival image library is open to the public, however, specific subject matter can be viewed in the museum's conference room.
Displays & Exhibits
Become a Museum Member
Membership in the Buffalo Harbor Museum (BMS) is open to anyone who is interested in supporting the mission and goals of this not-for-profit organization.
Our members come from many walks of life all with a common interest in Buffalo’s great maritime history. Your membership helps support the museum in its efforts to preserve this heritage for the benefit, education, and enlightenment of future generations.
Members receive the museum’s bi-monthly newsletter (six times a year) with the latest news about happenings on our waterfront and articles on local marine history. Members also receive discounts on purchases from the museum’s gift store and copy services.
Your membership is not only a significant contribution to the financial support of the museum; it is also a demonstration of support for preserving Buffalo’s maritime history.
Choose your membership level below and join securely using PayPal.
Individual/Family Membership $35.00
Sustaining Membership $50.00
Senior Membership (65+) $25.00
Ship's Store
The Buffalo Harbor Museum has a modest gift shop as well as an online store. Our selection of souvenirs and gifts reflect the history and culture of the Buffalo Waterfront.
Our hand-picked merchandise has been chosen to reflect the collection of the Buffalo Harbor Museum and to help tell the story of Buffalo Waterfront and its people. All profits from the sale of items support the programs and educational efforts of the Buffalo Harbor Museum. We appreciate your support!
Note: Due to high shipping costs to Canada, our Canadian friends are asked to e-mail their order requests to us at
info@LLMHS.org.
Views of the Waterfront
The shore of the Buffalo Waterfront is miles long. It includes the Inner Harbor - collectively the Buffalo River, City Ship Canal, and the Watson Turning Basin along the Central Wharf. The Outer Harbor extends from the Erie Basin Marina south to the Union Ship Canal and the Lackawanna Canal at the former site of Bethlehem Steel. A part of the Erie Canal, the south entrance of the Black Rock Canal is just west of the Erie Basin Marina and parallels the Niagara River where it ends at the Black Rock locks.
Whether you're on a walk, bike ride, or a sail, take a camera with you. You never know when you can capture a dramatic waterfront sunset, rough seas, wild life along the shore, construction, demolition, ship movement, or some other camera worthy subject. Snap it, provide a brief description, date it, and send it using the convenient form below. We'll post them here in our gallery!
See What Visitors Have to Say
“So much information, pictures, exhibits and books to buy! Don't think one hour will be enough to get through it all! And the building that it is in is the old Baker Building-a sail supply co. It's a triangular!”
Kathy W.
“Very interesting exhibits, very friendly staff, great building. Everyone with interest in the Buffalo Waterfront - including grain mills, ships, Erie Canal, etc. - should visit at least once!”
Joe M.
“Great history of maritime Buffalo. Staff was extremely knowledgeable. Well worth the visit!”
Michael A.
“Family and I just randomly walking by and happened upon this lovely local gem. It's full of Buffalo Harbor history and such, as expected. The guy who staffed the place was real nice and answered a lot of our questions..."
Trevor C.
Your Donation Sparks Change!
Contact Us
For more information about our exhibits and memberships, please give us a call or send us an email. You may also fill out the form on this page. We look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you soon!