Summer in Western New York is best spent outdoors and residents take full advantage of Buffalo’s beautiful summers by going outside, enjoying the weather, and soaking up as much sun as they can. Our region offers a summer explosion of entertainment and experiences for all the families in the area.
One of these great summertime activity hubs is the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village located on a 35-acre campus in Amherst.
The Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is a hidden gem in Western New York. “The village is a museum and historic village space where we focus on preserving, exhibiting, and telling the story of the history of agriculture and rural communities in New York State,” said Executive Director Carrie Stiver.
“When people think of New York, not many are going to think about agriculture…but New York is actually an incredibly important part of our agricultural industry in the US and across the world. We are consistently ranked among the top three producers of many important products such as dairy products, wine and grapes, apples, and of course, maple syrup.”
Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is able to educate and inspire its visitors through exhibits, costumed interpretations of rural life practices, group tours, classes, artisan workshops, and events. “When you visit us, you will learn about agriculture primarily through walking through the village and farmstead… When you’re out there, you can visit the historic buildings, and talk with our interpreters about all different kinds of subjects,” said Stiver.
A day at the village will allow guests to stroll back in time, and visit some of the historic buildings on the campus, including an old school house, a blacksmith shop, and a woodwright’s shop. This educational experience will allow visitors to see how things were made in Western New York, and consider all of the progress and technological advancements that have been made in recent history.
Museums on the campus are also open and have fantastic exhibitions available for viewing. In the Susan Grelick Amherst Historical Wing, The Amherst Gallery honors the past, present, and future of Amherst, New York and features historic artifacts and archival documents that share the impact of Amherst on regional history. In addition, Crowning Glory: The Dolores Attea Sapienza Hat Gallery, Land of Plenty: Cultivating Community in Buffalo Niagara, Victory on the Menu: Food in the Fight, and Vice & Virtue: The Rise & Fall Of Prohibition are all on display.
In addition to these permanent exhibits, Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village has a number of special events and camps that make it a must-visit summertime destination. Below are some of the special events
Event: Advancements in Agricultural Technology and Transportation
June 22 – July 1
Entrance is included with the General Admission ticket
Come down to experience Erie Canal history and hands-on activities related to the canal. In addition, there will be a farm tool presentation and showcase with a hands-on “how to plant and cultivate a crop” activity. Participants will witness a gristmill presentation, grain grinding, and hear and experience the life cycle of wheat.
Event: Pride at the Village
June 24 | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
“Pride in the Village” will be celebrated and the sheep will wear rainbow bandanas on this day in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Event: Fabulous Flowers
June 24 | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
$20 BNHV Members $25 Non-Members
Tickets
Open to both youth and adults, ages 12 & up.
Using local flowers that grow at BNHV, learn about Victorian flower language and how to press flowers.
Event: Milk, Sugar, Science: Engineering Ice Cream!
July 1 | 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
$20 Youth Fee, $10 Adult Fee
Tickets
Who doesn’t like some ice cream on a hot summer’s day? Come explore the journey of milk from cow to ice cream, and make your own! Participants will learn how methods of making ice cream have changed over time as food engineers have developed many different processes for making ice cream. A taste test will complete this fun day.
Event: Chicken Jubilee
July 6 – 15
Entrance is included with the General Admission ticket
This week is all about chickens! See a farming presentation, learn the difference between farm fresh and store bought eggs, and participate in a hands-on egg dying. Learn about different chicken feather types, and play a feather matching game. Finally, learn the history of the Chicken Wing, and taste test 1900’s style chicken wings, and local favorites. (Please note: none of the BNHV chickens will be served at this event).
Event: An Introduction to Natural Dyeing Workshop
July 15 | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
$20 BNHV Members $25 Non-Members
Tickets
In this class, learn about the dyeing process with various natural materials, experiment with different fabrics and dyes, and leave with a piece of dyed fabric!
Summer Camp: Pioneer Day Camp
Dates: July 17-21 and August 7-11
Weekly Tuition: $250 BNHV Member, $300 Non-Member
Times: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Ages: 5-10
Send your youngsters to the Village to experience firsthand what life was like in the 19th century. Campers will “travel back in time,” and take part in a historic adventure filled with fun facts, as they have fun exploring history and learning together.
Summer Camp: Pioneer Day Camp
Dates: July 24-28
Weekly Tuition: $250 BNHV Member, $300 Non-Member
Times: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Ages: 5-10
Have some summer fun at the village. Each day campers will participate in a different theme, and will take part in some summer science, become outdoor explorers, let off some STEAM, and take part in creative arts.