Join Explore Buffalo’s expert docents for in-depth presentations on Buffalo’s past! Impress your friends with little-known facts about Buffalo’s exciting history. Each evening features two docents presenting on various topics.

On February 22, join us to hear the stories of some of Buffalo's German, Italian, and Polish immigrants!

“German Immigrants in Buffalo & WNY” by Debra Hall-Stonish

Talk description: Buffalo’s history is a story of immigrants. Among the first immigrants were people from the German “states”. In fact, individuals of German heritage comprise the largest immigrant group to settle in the United States as a whole. The nation of Germany as we know it was not established until the completion of the Franco-Prussian war around 1870. The talk covers early immigration prior to this period through the early part of the 20th century. It will also include information about the speaker’s family that came from what is now the Alsace region of France. 

“Polish & Italian Immigrants in Buffalo & WNY” by Mary Furlani

Talk description: Polish and Italian immigrants to this region make up a large part of the fabric of the history of Buffalo. In this talk, the speaker will trace the immigration and settlement of these two ethnic groups in Buffalo through the lens of her own family, who came to this region in the early 1900s. Learn about how immigrants made their way to Buffalo, what the living and working conditions would have been like for them, and the impact they had on the Queen City.

All talks are held in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo from 7 – 9 pm.

$10 General Admission / FREE for Explorer Pass holders. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.explorebuffalo.org or call (716) 245-3032. Tickets also available at the door (at-door sales are cash or check only).