The Buffalo History Museum Podcast

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. 

Annie Edson Taylor’s Barrel v. Niagara Falls

On October 24, 1901, sixty-three year old Annie Edson Taylor went over Niagara Falls in a barrel of her own design. Would things go swimmingly?

 

Be sure to visit the Buffalo History Museum's brand new exhibit, Continuum: A History of Erie County, open now!

 

 

The NFL‘s Tonawanda Kardex

For a brief time, one game actually, Buffalo's suburb of Tonawanda was home to an NFL franchise--the league's shortest lived team. 

The 1866 Fenian Invasion of Canada

In an attempt to rid their homeland of British control, an army of Irish-Americans launch an attack from Buffalo into Canada during the spring of 1866. 

 

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For more information about the Buffalo History Museum, visit www.buffalohistory.org. Also, be sure to check out our upcoming feature exhibit, "Continuum: A History of Erie County" opening October 22. 

 

The Rise & Fall of the Buffalo Braves

Between 1970 and 1978, the Buffalo Braves brought NBA excitement to Western New York. Led by former league MVP Bob McAdoo, the team earned three playoff appearances in eight years, but ownership issues plagued the franchise. The team left Buffalo following the 1977-78 season, moving west and becoming the San Diego Clippers. 

 

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The 1908 New York to Paris Race, Part II

In 1908, teams from four countries competed in the most trying automobile endurance race to date. In the end, it was Western New York's own George Schuster crossing the finish line first in a Buffalo-made E.R. Thomas car.

The 1908 New York to Paris Race, Part I

In 1908, teams from four countries competed in the most trying automobile endurance race to date. In the end, it was Western New York's own George Schuster crossing the finish line first in a Buffalo-made E.R. Thomas. 

 

 

Buffalo's White House Wedding

On June 2, 1886, Buffalo's Frances Folsom married President Grover Cleveland (also of Buffalo) in the Blue Room of the White House, making her the youngest First Lady in U.S. history.