Archive - WNY Heritage

A significant part of Buffalo's history is now the backdrop for a new attraction at Canalside and the Outer Harbor.

The Grand Canyon of the East has been a tourist location since the 1830s, but it has also faced numerous threats from developers who sought to utilize the Middle Falls as a source of power.

John E. Brent: Buffalo’s First African American Architect

John E. Brent’s architectural contributions to Buffalo and the surrounding areas often went uncredited because of his race. Today historians are working on tracking down Brent’s projects and giving him the recognition he deserves.

Endnotes: The Chautauqua Amphitheater Continues to Make Headlines

An update on the state of Chautauqua's beloved amphitheater.

A Buffalo Irishman at War: The Letters of Sergeant George Tipping

Sergeant George Tipping was one of hundreds of Buffalo Irishmen who joined the ranks of the Union Army. His rare collection of original letters provides a look at one family’s struggle with the familiar themes of war, separation and survival.

Jewel of the Southtowns: A Brief History of Chestnut Ridge Park

Thanks to a successful partnership between county and conservancy, the largest of the Erie County parks has been experiencing a renaissance in recent years. Here we look at the park’s creation, decline and how it is bouncing back.

Another Look: Timeless Teaching Tug

The 113-year-old vessel worked the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes for nearly a century. Today, it operates as a teaching tug, but the years of wear and tear require extensive repairs.

Another Look: Is a Replica True to Chautauqua’s Mission? The Fight Over the Future of the Historic Chautauqua Amphitheater

The debate over the Chautauqua Amphitheater has dominated the news in recent months. Brian Berg reflects on the structure’s significant history and looks at the options available as the community struggles with this important regional and national preservation issue.

Western New York Heritage

The Archive