Archive - WNY Heritage

Death by Fire and Water: The Steamship Erie Disaster

The Erie Canal opened the West-- but getting there could be a deadly gamble, as this 1841 tragedy demonstrated.

Old Photo Album: Celebrating Western New York's Hispanic Heritage

The Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York shares images, past and present, of our region's rich Hispanic culture.

Full Circle: The Amazing Journey of the Buffalo Heritage Carousel

Nearly a century ago, vision and craftsmanship created a unique attraction. Now new visionaries and craftspeople have brought it back home.

Erie County Marks Bicentennial

Erie County marks its bicentennial with a variety of commemorative projects.

The Battle of Hobo Run: The March to Washington that Ended in Cheektowaga

The Panic of 1893 moved a number of "industrial armies" to act on their economic troubles by marching on Washington. One of these groups only got as far as Cheektowaga, however.

Patriot Games: William Lyon Mackenzie and the Upper Canada Rebellion

Scottish immigrant-turned-reformer, William Lyon Mackenzie, attempted to effect changes in Upper Canada's government by attempting to set up his own country--with a little help from the neighbors.

The Immigrant Army: Western New York’s Polish Volunteers in World War I

A century ago, thousands of newly immigrated Poles risked everything for a chance to free their homeland from oppression—in spite of the prejudices they experienced in "the Land of the Free."

Becoming American: The Journey of Italians in Genesee County

Like elsewhere in America, throngs of Italian immigrants migrated to Western New York in the late 19^th century. We examine their journey from outcasts to acceptance in Genesee County.

Western New York Heritage

The Archive