The Buffalo History Museum Podcast

Harry Houdini: Buffalo Bound

For over three decades, legendary escape artist and magician Harry Houdini made Buffalo's theaters a regular destination. Today, we recap the King of Handcuff's many visits to Western New York. 

The Trial of Nancy Bowen featuring Dr. Joe Stahlman

In March 1930, police arrested two Indigenous women, Nancy Bowen and Lila Jimerson, for the murder of a white woman in Buffalo, New York. Their arrests, trials, and coverage in the media would highlight issues of Indigenous sovereignty and clashing belief systems. Dr. Joe Stahlman, Director of the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum joins us to discuss the case. 

The Amazing Story of William Wells Brown

William Wells Brown escaped slavery and risked his life to help others find freedom. In his spare time, he taught himself to read and write, lectured on the evils of slavery, and was the first African American to publish a novel and, later, a play.

Father Baker: Life and Legacy

Msgr. David LiPuma of Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica joins us to discuss Father Nelson Baker, his many achievements, and his enduring legacy. 

Abraham Lincoln & Westfield’s Grace Bedell

We're back after a long break and sharing a beloved local story. In late 1860, an eleven-year-old girl from the Western New York wrote Abraham Lincoln advising him to improve his appearance by growing a beard. That beard would become one of the future president's most recognizable features, all thanks to a letter from Westfield's Grace Bedell. Thank you for listening and stay strong, Buffalo!

Buffalo v. ”The Candy Kid”

In 1925, one of the nation's most wanted criminals pulled a deadly bank robbery in Buffalo, NY. The following year, he was caught and put on trial, but would Richard Reese Whittemore aka "The Candy Kid" ever pay for his crimes?

 

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For the Greater Good: Buffalo’s Wilkeson Family

How three generations of one local family each found a way to shape the nation.

Tesla Illuminates the Queen City

On November 16, 1896, at 12:01am, Buffalo received its first transmission of electricity from Niagara Falls via alternating current. This technology, developed by Serbian-American electrical engineer Nikola Tesla, would forever change society—and it all started right here.

The Unsolved Murder of Ed Burdick

Ed Burdick was a young and successful businessman. His marriage, however, was far from perfect. On a cold February morning in 1903, Ed was found murdered in his home, his skull fractured. The investigation that followed would reveal a steamy affair, an impending divorce, and plenty of motives. But, in the end, would anyone be brought to justice?

Buffalo Gals: Origins

"Buffalo Gals" is a traditional folk song performed by such artists as Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen. The song, however, is more than an upbeat tune. Behind its bars is a story of racism and ignorance perhaps born right here in Western New York.