I was so excited to finally visit the Buffalo History Museum on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, NY. I had visions of enlarged, mounted, black and white photographs of old Buffalo, the grain silos, the Erie Canal, and old Main Street. I love seeing the old photos and trying to figure out what’s still there and what’s not, what has changed, and what’s been built in its place. I think it’s fascinating to see the throngs of crowds lined up along Main Street watching parades go by. I thought I would see those kinds of things in the museum. Where else would I see them? I guess I presumed there would be a few hung in the history museum.

Last week I went to the museum and paid the $7.00 general admission. I was told there were some exhibits on the first floor, some exhibits on the second floor, and some exhibits in the basement. When I entered the first floor, I appreciated the marble floors, strong columns, and glass windows. But otherwise the room was practically empty. Maybe there were some WWII posters on the walls. There was nothing on the floor to look at. Upstairs, Tim Russert‘s exhibit is proudly intact. I spent 30 minutes taking that in and appreciating his contribution on the subjects he covered. Downstairs was a stale train set-up and dusty WWII momentos. Disappointed, I went to the desk and asked the nice attendant about old photos. She directed me to the gift shop. I still couldn’t find what I hoped to see: a pictorial of Buffalo on display. I have an idea that I hope to propose to the museum board in the near future that will help to raise money for the museum and bring some cool photos to display. That way the next time I visit, I’ll have something to see. Stay tuned.

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