Archive - WNY Heritage

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.

Buffalo and the Great War, Part II: Keeping Out of War

The second installment of our three-part series examines the final years leading up to America’s declaration of war in 1917, as tensions rise and the region deals with issues of ethnicity and preparedness.

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.

Buffalo and the Great War, Part I: The War Before the War

Long before America went “over there,” Western New York had to cope with some unique realities in the opening years of the First World War. In part one of a three-part series, we look at a usually peaceful region during the years of true neutrality.

Another Look: Preserving Hispanic Heritage in Buffalo and Western New York

A local organization is making positive strides to document and preserve our region’s Hispanic heritage.

Western New York Heritage

The Archive