Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village offering free admission throughout 2026 season

The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is offering free admission throughout the 2026 season, thanks to a generous anonymous donation.

 

This initiative aims to make local history more accessible to the community while commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

 

Executive Director Dr. Carrie Stiver emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, "2026 is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, and this milestone is an opportunity for us all to reflect on all 250 years of American history."

 

She added, "As a history museum in the Buffalo Niagara region, we wanted to do even more in this commemorative year to make history as accessible as possible for all members of our community."

 

Located in Amherst, the Heritage Village features ten historic structures, exhibits, gardens, and heritage breed animals that showcase the agricultural and cultural history of Western New York.

 

One notable attraction is the Hoover House, the largest historic home on the property, which belonged to George Hoover, a pioneer in modern commercial farming in the area.

 

Dr. Stiver highlighted the region's significant role in shaping American agriculture, particularly with the development of the Erie Canal, stating, "New York State is an important agricultural center for the country. Us being the home of the Erie Canal, that development changed agriculture and our food systems forever."

 

The museum hopes that free admission will encourage more families and first-time visitors to explore the grounds.

 

Dr. Stiver noted, "We have farm animals that you can come and say hello to. We have architectural history. We have beautiful grounds that you can come and enjoy as sort of a walk in the park kind of outing, and you might accidentally learn a little history along the way."

 

The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through September 26, 2026.