Archaeological Survey

Built in the 1820s, the Cataract House in Niagara Falls, New York became a luxury hotel that hosted famous guests like Abraham Lincoln and Jenny Lind. During the height of success, its predominantly African American wait staff played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, orchestrating the documented escapes of freedom seekers into Canada. 

Through participation in our ongoing excavations and preservation efforts, the community actively contributes to discovery, understanding and safeguarding of this important historical site.

Constructed in the 1840s, the Michigan Street Baptist Church is one of the oldest African American churches in Buffalo and has successfully maintained an active congregation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the church has been a hub of abolitionist and civil rights activism since its founding. 

Our project is designed to gain further insight about what daily life was like for members of the 19^th century church congregation, and to use public archaeology as a medium to invite the community to participate in the interpretation of the historical narrative.

The McKendry Site Archaeological Dig, a community engagement and public archaeology dig site located near Irving, New York, was created by thousands of years of human activity. Our team leads public digs allowing students and volunteers of all ages to participate in responsible and respectful excavation, artifact collection, radiocarbon dating and documentation.

Our programs make archaeology accessible to Indigenous people and the broader public. We offer a fun and hands-on approach to connect everyone in our community with local history. 

The result of a five-year construction project and funded by a $230 million capital campaign, the new Buffalo AKG Art Museum comprises more than 50,000 square feet of state-of-the art exhibition space, five studios, an interior community gathering space, a signature scenic bridge and more than half an acre of new public green space.

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and founded in 1875, the Buffalo Zoo is located on 23.5 acres of Buffalo's historic Delaware Park. The zoo exhibits a diverse collection of animals and more than 320 species of plants. Attracting approximately 400,000 visitors per year, the Buffalo Zoo is an integral part of the cultural fabric of our community.

Constructed in the 1960s, the primary issue with the Scajaquada Expressway is that advocates claim it disrupted the urban fabric of Buffalo, dividing neighborhoods, cutting off access to Delaware Park and the waterfront, while providing minimal traffic relief due to its design. There are ongoing discussions and plans to potentially transform it.