Behind the Scenes Curator Tour
2025-08-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-24 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-31 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-01 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-14 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-21 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-28 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-12 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Join the Buffalo Naval and Military Park’s Curator and Director of Museum Collections, Shane Stephenson, for a special behind the scenes tour of USS Little Rock, the last remaining Cleveland-class cruiser in the world.
This tour will give an in-depth look at our ships as artifacts and highlight some of the challenges in preserving them for future generations. You’ll visit spaces aboard USS Little Rock and USS The Sullivans that are not available on any other tour.
Each tour will last approximately 2 hours and will be limited to 11 people. When touring most areas of the ship, visitors should expect to traverse narrow passageways, be able to step over significantly raised thresholds, and climb up and down very steep ladders. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and bring a flashlight.
Due to the length of the tour and the spaces that will be visited, the Curator tour is for ages 11 and older.
Curator Tours will take place at 1:00 PM.
Click here to purchase your tickets!

Ship N' Shore
2025-08-21 17:30 - 20:30 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Save the date for the Buffalo Naval & Military Park’s biggest event of the year! Join us at 5:30 PM on Thursday, August 21 for a fun and memorable evening of food, drinks, and live music on the Buffalo Waterfront.
Guests will enjoy delicious food and beverages from some of the best establishments in Buffalo, listen to live music entertainment, participate in our basket raffle, silent auction, and 50/50 raffle to benefit the Naval Park, and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting of our magnificent grounds and monuments garden.
This is a 21+ event and will take place rain or shine. Tickets are $85 in advance or $95 at the door. The food, drinks, and music are all included in the price of your ticket!
Each ticket purchased helps the Naval Park maintain our ships, artifacts, museum, and grounds, which all support our mission to Honor, Educate, Inspire, and Preserve.
Click here for additional information.

EC200 Speaker Series: Jennifer Rizzo-Choi
2025-08-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Jennifer Rizzo-Choi, Executive Director of the International Institute of Buffalo, will discuss the Erie Canal’s impact on immigration and refugee history in Buffalo.
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is presenting the 2025 Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemoration at Canalside in Buffalo, NY from Memorial Day through September. The EC200 Speaker Series will take place in the Buffalo Naval Park’s Hangar Building on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This series is co-sponsored by the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park and The Buffalo History Museum.
Speakers will include subject matter experts regarding Buffalo’s Erie Canal heritage and those who were key in helping develop the Waterway of Change: Complex Legacies of the Erie Canal exhibit in the Longshed Building.

Vietnam Welcome Home Living History Event
2025-08-30 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-31 10:00 - 16:00 | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
The Black Lions 1st ID Vietnam Living History Group will be returning to the Buffalo Naval & Military Park this Labor Day weekend for a Vietnam living history event called “Vietnam Welcome Home.”They will be inside the red Hangar Building on Saturday, August 30 from 10 AM until 5 PM and Sunday, August 31 from 10 AM until 4 PM. Vietnam War Living Historians will be present with table displays designed to educate attendees on the uniforms, equipment and stories of the era.This event is free to the public and is a great opportunity to learn about the Vietnam War and to help support the Naval Park. Planned activities include table displays of military equipment and weapons, military vehicles, educational films and opportunities for Vietnam Veterans to speak.The Black Lions is a Living History group in the Western New York area that educates the public on the Vietnam War. The group concentrates on an impression of the 1st U.S. Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment “Black Lions” B Company Rifle Squad in Vietnam during 1967-1969. The group utilizes hands-on displays of the uniforms, equipment, weapons and every day items carried and used by the “Big Red One” Infantry of the Vietnam War.

Fireboat Edward M. Cotter VIP Event
2025-09-06 09:00 - 11:30 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Join the Buffalo Naval Park and the Fireboat Edward M. Cotter Conservancy on Saturday, September 6, for a special VIP experience to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the E.M. Cotter’s arrival in Buffalo. The event will begin inside the Hangar Building at 9:00 AM with breakfast and a presentation on the Fireboat’s 125 years of service to Buffalo and Western New York. Guests will then watch the reenactment of the Fireboat E.M. Cotter’s arrival from a viewing area aboard USS Little Rock.
The VIP ticket includes admission to the Buffalo Naval Park for the day and a spot to view the Bills Mafia Boat Parade starting at 1:00 PM.

9:00 AM: Doors open in the Hangar Building and a continental breakfast is served
9:30 AM: Historic presentation of the Edward M. Cotter’s service to the City of Buffalo and surrounding watershed communities
10:30 AM: Move to the Little Rock Fantail for a VIP view of the festivities
11:00 AM: Reenactment of the arrival and escort of the Fireboat Edward M. Cotter
11:30 AM: Event ends; Guests may stay to take a self-guided tour of the Buffalo Naval Park
1:00 PM: As a bonus, guests are welcome to return to the Little Rock Fantail to watch the Bills Mafia Boat Parade

Closure Alert: 9/11 Day of Service
2025-09-11 10:00 - 17:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
9/11 Day of Service
Please be advised that the Naval Park SHIPS will be CLOSED on Thursday, September 11.
For the third year in a row, the Buffalo Naval Park will host its largest day of volunteerism on Thursday, September 11. National Grid employees will partake in day-long activities to kick off the 9/11 Day of Service, including welding, carpentry work, removing rust, running electrical wire, and painting the historic vessels.
They’ll be joined by staff from Highmark Inc. bringing the total number of volunteers to around 150. We are so grateful for their support and look forward to seeing all of the work they accomplish at the Naval Park.
The Buffalo Naval Park will host a 9/11 ceremony in the Hangar Building at 11:30 AM that is free and open to the public. The gift shop will remain open from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

RADM Robert E. Wirth at the Buffalo Naval Park
2025-09-11 16:00 - 17:00 | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
The Buffalo Naval Park and the Western New York Council of the Navy League of the United States is proud to host Rear Admiral Robert E. Wirth, a native of Grand Island, NY, for two special presentations on Thursday, September 11.Currently serving as Commander, Submarine Group TEN, RADM Wirth has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and more.RADM Wirth will be the keynote speaker at the 9/11 Day of Remembrance Ceremony starting at 11:30 AM. At 4:00 PM, he will speak on the current and future state of the U.S. Navy. Both programs will take place at the Buffalo Naval Park’s Hangar Building and are free and open to the public.
*Please note that the ships will be closed to the public on September 11 due to the 9/11 Day of Service with volunteers participating from National Grid, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, M&T Bank, HARCAT Welding, and more.

EC200 Speaker Series: Melissa Parker Leonard
2025-09-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Melissa Parker Leonard is the founder of 7th Gen Cultural Resources, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Indigenous history. She will discuss the Erie Canal’s impact on the Buffalo Creek Reservation and Seneca Indian Park.
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is presenting the 2025 Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemoration at Canalside in Buffalo, NY from Memorial Day through September. The EC200 Speaker Series will take place in the Buffalo Naval Park’s Hangar Building on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This series is co-sponsored by the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park and The Buffalo History Museum.
Speakers will include subject matter experts regarding Buffalo’s Erie Canal heritage and those who were key in helping develop the Waterway of Change: Complex Legacies of the Erie Canal exhibit in the Longshed Building.

Overnight Youth Encampment
2025-09-13 16:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Sat. September 13 @ 4:00 PM – Sun. September 14 @ 10:00 AM
Spend the night aboard USS Little Rock! Our overnight youth encampment is a unique adventure for scouts, youth groups, friends, and families.
During your overnight encampment, you will:
• Sleep in berthing compartments where the real Little Rock crew lived;
• Enjoy dinner and breakfast in the crew’s Mess Deck;
• Tour the USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and USS Croaker;
• Participate in educational programs and activities to learn about life onboard ship (educational programs may vary).
Visit buffalonavalpark.org/overnight for additional information.

Overnight Youth Encampment
2025-09-20 16:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Sat. September 20 @ 4:00 PM – Sun. September 21 @ 10:00 AM
Spend the night aboard USS Little Rock! Our overnight youth encampment is a unique adventure for scouts, youth groups, friends, and families.
During your overnight encampment, you will:
• Sleep in berthing compartments where the real Little Rock crew lived;
• Enjoy dinner and breakfast in the crew’s Mess Deck;
• Tour the USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and USS Croaker;
• Participate in educational programs and activities to learn about life onboard ship (educational programs may vary).
Visit buffalonavalpark.org/overnight for additional information.

EC200 Speaker Series: Rich Newberg and Tim Bohen
2025-09-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Rich Newberg and Tim Bohen will conclude the EC200 Speaker Series with a presentation called “Charting the Course for Canalside: The Erie Canal Legacy Lives On.” They will discuss the development of Canalside, from the initial concept to the grand opening ceremonies. Learn about the history of the Canal District in Buffalo and the legacy of the grain scoopers to the launch of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief. Balladeer Stuart Shapiro will also perform a few numbers that finished first in Erie Canal original song writing competitions.
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is presenting the 2025 Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemoration at Canalside in Buffalo, NY from Memorial Day through September. The EC200 Speaker Series will take place in the Buffalo Naval Park’s Hangar Building on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This series is co-sponsored by the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park and The Buffalo History Museum.
Speakers will include subject matter experts regarding Buffalo’s Erie Canal heritage and those who were key in helping develop the Waterway of Change: Complex Legacies of the Erie Canal exhibit in the Longshed Building.

Historic Naval Ship Association (HNSA) Symposium and Maritime Heritage Conference
2025-09-24 - 2025-09-27
The Buffalo Naval Park is excited to host the Maritime Heritage Conference/Historic Naval Ships Association (HNSA) Annual Symposium in Buffalo, NY this year. Join us on September 24–27 for a gathering of naval and maritime scholars and people from the world of maritime museums, historic lighthouses, tall ships for sail training and youth, small craft, marine art, sailing, advocacy, and more!
We look forward to seeing you there! #MHC2025

Overnight Youth Encampment
2025-09-27 16:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Sat. September 27 @ 4:00 PM – Sun. September 28 @ 10:00 AM
Spend the night aboard USS Little Rock! Our overnight youth encampment is a unique adventure for scouts, youth groups, friends, and families.
During your overnight encampment, you will:
• Sleep in berthing compartments where the real Little Rock crew lived;
• Enjoy dinner and breakfast in the crew’s Mess Deck;
• Tour the USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and USS Croaker;
• Participate in educational programs and activities to learn about life onboard ship (educational programs may vary).
Visit buffalonavalpark.org/overnight for additional information.

The Borinqueneers Film Screening
2025-10-04 12:30 - 13:30 | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
In collaboration with the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, the Buffalo Naval Park will host a special Hispanic Heritage Month film screening of “The Borinqueneers,” a documentary about the Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment. Watch the film on our big screen in the Naval Park’s Hangar Building. It is free and open to the public.

Overnight Youth Encampment
2025-10-04 16:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Sat. October 4 @ 4:00 PM – Sun. October 5 @ 10:00 AM
Spend the night aboard USS Little Rock! Our overnight youth encampment is a unique adventure for scouts, youth groups, friends, and families.
During your overnight encampment, you will:
• Sleep in berthing compartments where the real Little Rock crew lived;
• Enjoy dinner and breakfast in the crew’s Mess Deck;
• Tour the USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and USS Croaker;
• Participate in educational programs and activities to learn about life onboard ship (educational programs may vary).
Visit buffalonavalpark.org/overnight for additional information.

Ship or Treat
2025-10-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Celebrate Halloween at the Buffalo Naval Park! Wear your costume and “Ship-or-Treat” aboard USS The Sullivans, USS Little Rock, and USS Croaker to participate in family activities and collect Halloween goodies. This event is designed for children ages 16 and under and is free with the price of admission.
The Naval Park will be open from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with last admission at 3:00 PM. The Ship or Treat activities will be available between 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
When touring most areas of the ships, visitors should expect to traverse narrow passageways, be able to step over significantly raised thresholds, and climb up and down very steep ladders. If you choose to wear a costume, please ensure that it is family friendly and fits properly to help prevent trips and falls. Please avoid items such as oversized shoes, high heels, and long capes.

Overnight Youth Encampment
2025-10-11 16:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Sat. October 11 @ 4:00 PM – Sun. October 12 @ 10:00 AM
Spend the night aboard USS Little Rock! Our overnight youth encampment is a unique adventure for scouts, youth groups, friends, and families.
During your overnight encampment, you will:
• Sleep in berthing compartments where the real Little Rock crew lived;
• Enjoy dinner and breakfast in the crew’s Mess Deck;
• Tour the USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and USS Croaker;
• Participate in educational programs and activities to learn about life onboard ship (educational programs may vary).
Visit buffalonavalpark.org/overnight for additional information.

LCDR Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Day
2025-10-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Celebrate LCDR Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s legacy and service at the Buffalo Naval Park on Saturday, October 18. The first 150 visitors will receive a specialty Ralph C. Wilson trading card. Inside the Hangar Building, a documentary about the history of the Buffalo Bills will play on the top of the hour at 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. It is free and open to the public.
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. (October 17, 1918-March 25, 2014) served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was the commanding officer of the minesweeper USS Picket. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres and navigated the first ship into Tokyo Bay after the atomic bomb had been dropped.
He later became a successful businessman and is best known as the founder and 54-year owner of the Buffalo Bills. In 2017, his wife Mary Wilson generously donated her husband’s military uniform, medals, and letters he wrote to his dad while in service.

Overnight Youth Encampment
2025-10-18 16:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Sat. October 18 @ 4:00 PM – Sun. October 19 @ 10:00 AM
Spend the night aboard USS Little Rock! Our overnight youth encampment is a unique adventure for scouts, youth groups, friends, and families.
During your overnight encampment, you will:
• Sleep in berthing compartments where the real Little Rock crew lived;
• Enjoy dinner and breakfast in the crew’s Mess Deck;
• Tour the USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and USS Croaker;
• Participate in educational programs and activities to learn about life onboard ship (educational programs may vary).
Visit buffalonavalpark.org/overnight for additional information.

Speaker Series: Legendary Athletes in Combat During World War II
2025-10-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
Join us at the Buffalo Naval Park’s Hangar Building at 6:00 PM on Thursday, October 23, for a speaker series program with author, historian, and actor Christopher Warner. His written works have appeared in numerous magazines and publications, including Aviation History, Military History, The Past, Portland Monthly, World War Two Quarterly, History Scotland, Irish America, The Kerry Magazine, and Síocháin. His new book, Playing for Keeps: Legendary Athletes in Combat During World War II, was released this Fall.
Playing for Keeps: Legendary Athletes in Combat During World War II presents the combat experiences of the greatest athletes from the “Greatest Generation.” Whether pitching no-hitters, scoring touchdowns, or winning Olympic gold medals, these superstars were a rare breed. But they would also prove their mettle in a different arena, taking part in some of the biggest battles in history.
This event is free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $5.00. Please register online to reserve your seat.

Overnight Youth Encampment
2025-10-25 16:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Sat. October 25 @ 4:00 PM – Sun. October 26 @ 10:00 AM
Spend the night aboard USS Little Rock! Our overnight youth encampment is a unique adventure for scouts, youth groups, friends, and families.
During your overnight encampment, you will:
• Sleep in berthing compartments where the real Little Rock crew lived;
• Enjoy dinner and breakfast in the crew’s Mess Deck;
• Tour the USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and USS Croaker;
• Participate in educational programs and activities to learn about life onboard ship (educational programs may vary).
Visit buffalonavalpark.org/overnight for additional information.

Overnight Youth Encampment
2025-11-01 16:00 | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
Sat. November 1 @ 4:00 PM – Sun. November 2 @ 10:00 AM
Spend the night aboard USS Little Rock! Our overnight youth encampment is a unique adventure for scouts, youth groups, friends, and families.
During your overnight encampment, you will:
• Sleep in berthing compartments where the real Little Rock crew lived;
• Enjoy dinner and breakfast in the crew’s Mess Deck;
• Tour the USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans, and USS Croaker;
• Participate in educational programs and activities to learn about life onboard ship (educational programs may vary).
Visit buffalonavalpark.org/overnight for additional information.
