Lower Lakes Marine Historical Society, Buffalo

The Lower Lakes Marine Historical Society, operating as the Buffalo Harbor Museum, is a vibrant cultural institution located in downtown Buffalo. Housed in the historic former Howard H. Baker Company's ship chandlery, the museum brings Buffalo’s rich maritime heritage to life through a diverse range of exhibits and artifacts.

The museum’s focus is on the Great Lakes shipping industry, with special attention to Buffalo’s pivotal role as a port city. Visitors can explore engaging displays about the Erie Canal, shipwrecks, and the evolution of Buffalo’s grain elevators-once key players in the city’s waterfront industry. Highlights include collections of photographs, illustrations, ship furniture, silverware, documents, and dishes-each item telling a story of maritime life and commerce.

A standout attraction is the museum’s impressive array of ship models, including replicas of the world’s oldest operating fireboat, iron-hulled freighters, U.S. Navy gunboats, and iconic Great Lakes ferries. These detailed models offer a window into the engineering and design of vessels that shaped the region’s shipping legacy.

Beyond exhibits, the museum maintains a research library and hosts public lectures and guest speaker events covering maritime history and current developments. The Society also publishes a bimonthly newsletter and has released several notable books, including The Buffalo Waterfront – A History in Pictures (2011) and Fire and Water: Disasters on the Buffalo Harbor and Surrounding Waterfront (2015).

Whether you're a maritime enthusiast or simply curious about Buffalo’s past, the Lower Lakes Marine Historical Society offers a well-rounded and educational experience, showcasing the city's enduring connection to water, trade, and industry.