Buffalo Naval Park

Buffalo Naval & Military Park Soft Opening
2022-03-19 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
The Naval Park will be opening the doors and hatches a little early this year in honor of St. Patrick’s Day and the First and Second Rounds of the College Basketball Tournament in Buffalo! Plan your visit on March 17, 18, and 19 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with last admission at 3:00 PM.

Buffalo Naval & Military Park Soft Opening
2022-03-18 10:00 - 15:00, 2022-03-17 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | Buffalo Naval Park, United States
The Naval Park will be opening the doors and hatches a little early this year in honor of the NCAA March Madness Tournament in Buffalo! Plan your visit on March 17, 18, and 19 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with last admission at 3:00 PM.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony
2021-12-07 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Halifax) | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States

Giving Tuesday
2021-11-30
It is incredible to see what can be accomplished when “We Stick Together.” Your support on Giving Tuesday and throughout the year goes directly to maintaining the USS The Sullivans, USS Little Rock, USS Croaker, and PTF-17. It also allows us to provide educational programs, ceremonies, and updated exhibits each year.
Click here to make a donation for Giving Tuesday. We thank you for your support.

Museum Store Sunday
2021-11-28
For the fifth year in a row, on Sunday, November 28, 2021, the Museum Store Association (MSA) celebrates Museum Store Sunday, the signature annual international event and consumer shopping campaign that directly supports arts and cultural institutions around the world.
Museums are vital and trusted resources for communities and their visitors. Holiday shoppers will not only find quality gifts filled with inspiration and educational value, but through their purchases, will also directly support their favorite museums.
Please consider supporting the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park with a purchase in our online store, or give the gift of an annual membership for this holiday season.

Behind the Scenes Curator Tour
2021-11-26 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 the USS Little Rock.
This tour will give an in-depth look at our collections and highlight some of the challenges in preserving these important artifacts for future generations. Visit spaces on board the USS Little Rock that are not available on any of our other tours.
Each tour will last approximately 2 hours and will be limited to 10 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.
This Curator Tour will take place at 1:00 PM.
Click here to purchase your tickets!

Last Day of the 2021 Season
2021-11-21 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax)
Join us for our last day of the 2021 season. We will be open from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, with the last ticket sold at 3:00 PM.
Thank you for a great season!

Veterans Day at the Buffalo Naval & Military Park
2021-11-11 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Halifax) | Buffalo Naval Park, United States

Veterans Race
2021-11-06 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
Since 2012, the Veterans Race, presented by Destination Races and sponsored by GEICO, has been honoring all who served and currently serving in our military. Proceeds will benefit both Veterans One-Stop Center and the Buffalo Naval & Military Park to PRESERVE. PROTECT. HONOR all who served. Racers in the 5K and 10K will receive a custom bib and race gloves and the option to add-on the 10th Anniversary beach towel. The race is open to all, civilian or military, with special awards for top overall in each class. A post-race party will be held at Southern Tier Brewing Co.
EVENT DATE November 6th, 2021 Race Start Time: 9:00 AM REGISTRATION
Follow this link to register. No Race Day Registration PACKET PICK UP Date: November 5th, 2021 Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM Location: Southern Tier Brewing Co.7 Scott St., Buffalo, NY 14203

Behind the Scenes Curator Tour
2021-10-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2021-09-19 13:00 - 15:00, 2021-08-28 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | 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 the USS Little Rock.
This tour will give an in-depth look at our collections and highlight some of the challenges in preserving these important artifacts for future generations. Visit spaces on board the USS Little Rock that are not available on any of our other tours.
Each tour will last approximately 2 hours and will be limited to 10 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.
Curator Tours will take place at 1:00 PM on May 23, June 26, July 18, August 28, September 19, and October 17.
Click here to purchase your tickets!

LCDR Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Day
2021-10-17 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | Buffalo Naval Park, United States

Deck Talks at the Naval Park
2021-10-09 11:30 - 14:30 (America/Halifax)
History Of Our Vessels11:30 AM & 2:30 PM

Join our Curator and Director of Museum Collections, Shane Stephenson, for Deck Talks at the Naval Park! From bombarding Iwo Jima, to patrolling the Arctic Circle, our vessels have seen major action over their 75 years of existence. You will learn some of their fascinating history during this presentation!
These talks are free and will take place outdoors at a social distance, across from USS Croaker.
They will start at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM and will last approximately 20 minutes.

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The Borinqueneers Film Screening
2021-10-02 14:30 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States

WNY Stand Down
2021-09-29 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)
The Stand Down is a one day event designed to provide services and information to all veterans in the Western New York area. In 2021 there will be three dates and locations to serve all veterans in the Western New York area.
To register, please follow this link.

9/11 Day of Service: Blood Drive and Food Drive
2021-09-11 08:30 - 17:00 (America/Halifax)
In observance of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we invite you to help us transform the anniversary of 9/11 into a day of service to help those most in need.
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM: Food Drive for FeedMore of WNY
Food donations are an effective way to help those who are hungry throughout Western New York. Bring a food item to the Buffalo Naval & Military Park to support our WNY neighbors in need.
11:30 AM – 3:30 PM: American Red Cross Blood Drive
The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood drive at the Naval Park from 11:30 AM- 3:30 PM. The need for blood is constant and your contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. All blood donors will receive two free passes to visit the Buffalo Naval & Military Park and other special prizes.
Follow this link to make an appointment.
All donors (at this drive only) will be entered to win a pair of off Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones!

WNY Remembers 9/11 at the Naval Park
2021-09-11 08:30 - 17:00 (America/Halifax)
Join us as we commemorate the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day that has changed our country forever. The Buffalo Naval & Military Park will be open with “pay what you wish” admission.
Beginning at 8:30 AM, the Naval Park will host an outdoor Flag of Honor Across America Memorial Ceremony in partnership with Erie County Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Erie County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and the WNY Iraq/Afghanistan Memorial. Erie County was selected as 1 of 60 communities in the United States to lead a national 9/11 Day of Remembrance ceremony.
In collaboration with Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum, the Naval Park will also host its annual Honk for Heroes family event from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, highlighting military and first responder vehicles.
To give back on 9/11, consider donating blood at the Naval Park’s Hangar Building (reservations are recommended) and bring some non-perishable food for our food drive to benefit FeedMore of WNY.
For additional information, please follow this link.

Book & Clearance Sale
2021-09-05 11:00 - 15:00, 2021-09-04 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
The Buffalo Naval & Military Park will hold its annual book and clearance sale in the red Hangar Building on September 4 and 5 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Deck Talks at the Naval Park
2021-09-04 11:30 - 15:00 UTC
VJ Day: Victory Over Japan 11:30 AM & 2:30 PM

Join our Curator and Director of Museum Collections, Shane Stephenson, for Deck Talks at the Naval Park! Learn about the Potsdam Proclamation and surrender of Japan to end World War II. The Proclamation will be read aloud and discussed in depth.
These talks are free and will take place outdoors at a social distance, across from USS Croaker.
Future Deck Talks on a variety of topics will take place on October 9. They will start at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM and will last approximately 20 minutes.

Brought to you by

Buffalo Naval Park Virtual Speaker Series: Warship Builders
2021-08-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
Join the Buffalo Naval & Military Park on Friday, August 27 at 1:00 PM for a virtual discussion with Thomas Heinrich about his book, Warship Builders: An Industrial History of U.S. Naval Shipbuilding, 1922-1945.
Published by the Naval Institute Press, Warship Builders is the first scholarly study of the U.S. naval shipbuilding industry from the early 1920s to the end of World War II, when American shipyards produced the world’s largest fleet that helped defeat the Axis powers in all corners of the globe. Thomas Heinrich’s book investigates the contributions of workers, naval architects, and shipyard managers to this vast industrial endeavor and highlights the distinct features of American shipbuilding methods that enabled U.S. yards to outproduce their foreign counterparts. The talk will illustrate these dynamics with reference to the construction of USS Little Rock at Cramp Shipbuilding Company in Philadelphia.
This live discussion will be moderated by the Buffalo Naval & Military Park’s Curator and Director of Museum Collections, Shane Stephenson.
Pre-registration is required for this FREE event.
You will need a computer with a decent internet connection and speakers. Participants will receive an email with a link to join the video webinar via Zoom. Click the link to join the meeting. You may be prompted to download Zoom, which will take just a few moments to complete.
Questions? Please contact the Buffalo Naval Park at education@buffalonavalpark.org.
Please follow this link to register.

Ship N' Shore Annual Fundraiser
2021-08-26 17:30 - 20:30 UTC
Ship N’ Shore is the Buffalo Naval & Military Park’s biggest event of the year!

Join us at 5:30 PM on Thursday, August 26 for a memorable evening of food, fun, and music on the Buffalo Waterfront.
Tickets are $60 in advance and $65 at the door.

Guests will enjoy delicious food and beverages from some of the best establishments in Buffalo, 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.
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 to purchase your tickets online!
Questions? Please contact the Buffalo Naval Park at courtney@buffalonavalpark.org or call 716-847-1773, ext. 27.

“The Naval Park Through Veteran Eyes” Photo Exhibition
2021-08-22 14:00 - 2021-09-06 17:00 (America/Halifax) | Buffalo Naval Park: Hangar Building, 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY, 14202, United States
The Veterans One-stop Center of WNY and the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park will be hosting a free exhibition to highlight the photos that were captured by veterans participating in “The Naval Park Through Veterans Eyes” photography contest.
The photos will be on display inside the Naval Park’s Hangar Building starting on August 22 at 2:00pm and for the next two weeks through Labor Day, September 6.

Man Overboard! A Murder Mystery Dinner
2021-08-18 18:00 - 20:30 UTC
Join Buffalo History Tours on the Fantail of the USS Little Rock for a unique dinner and theater experience.

Man Overboard’ a Naval Park Murder Mystery

The Cold War heats up in this military themed murder mystery staged aboard ships at the Buffalo Naval Park. Not everything on the USS Little Rock is ship shape after a crew member is killed and top secret documents are missing. You’ll need to channel your best NCIS sleuthing skills to solve this engaging and entertaining mystery.
Proceeds from all performances help ‘Save Our Ships‘ and keep the USS The Sullivans afloat.

The Performance

Buffalo, NY is the only place in the entire world where you can enjoy a murder mystery performance aboard a decommissioned U.S. Navy ship.
During this 2.5 hour improvisational event you’ll interact with the suspects and listen to testimony. You’ll also have opportunities to ask questions directly of the characters.

The Dinner
Enjoy a buffet style dinner:Salad: Mixed greens with strawberriesVegetable: Blend featuring corn, beans, almondsEntrée 1: Lemon chicken cutlets (or grilled chicken skewers or chicken parm)Entrée 2: Roast Pork Loin (or baked ham or pot roast)Side: Smashed red baby potatoes (or baked ziti or rice pilaf)Rolls & butterWater served with dinner

If you require a special meal due to dietary restrictions, please call 716-997-2245.

How To Order Tickets for the Murder Mystery Dinners

Tickets are $65 per person for these murder mystery dinners, there are no additional fees or taxes. If you want to pay by check, call 716-997-2245.
To make on-line reservations click on any one of the individual dates listed below. Performances start at 6PM with buffet dinner served at 6:45 PM.
Mystery Dinner Theater Performance Dates:
Wednesday July 7thWednesday July 14thWednesday July 21stWednesday August 11thWednesday August 18th

FAQs

Do these mystery dinner theater performances sell out?Yes, our performances typically sell out so it is best to order tickets ASAP.
Is this a stage play? How do improvisational murder mystery dinners events work?Our performance is improvised which means that most dialogue is not scripted. Audience members must interact with the actors in order to obtain clues and information. The format is lively, fun and personal. But be advised–you must be involved to solve the murder.
What about guests with dietary restrictions?Please call 716-997-2245 and we will make arrangements for gluten free or vegan diets.
What about groups?We love ’em. Tables typically seat 8 guests but we can create larger tables for bigger groups, or group tables together. If you have a group of 20 or larger, the group leader receives a free ticket. Call 716-997-2245 for details.
Is the venue accessible for guests with mobility issues?Yes and no. Guests must be able to navigate a long series of shallows stair to board the ships and use the restrooms. Stairs are steep but they do have handrails for safety.

All the action in these performances takes place aboard the ships. Guests will board the ships via a gangplank and then will ascend a series of steps that join the USS The Sullivans with the USS Little Rock. The stairs are shallow but steep and have hand rails for safety. Buffet dinner is served on the fantail of the USS Little Rock under a tent. Restrooms are below deck accessed via a set of stairs. Guests with limited mobility should call 716-997-2245 with questions about accessibility.

Deck Talks at the Naval Park
2021-08-15 11:30 - 15:00 (America/Halifax)
Ship Decorations and Awards: What Do They Mean? 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM
Join our Curator and Director of Museum Collections, Shane Stephenson, for Deck Talks at the Naval Park! Learn about the ship decorations and the markings that adorn the ships. Awards are important to Navy vessels, and the crews proudly display them, but what do they mean?
These talks are free and will take place outdoors at a social distance, across from USS Croaker.
Future Deck Talks on a variety of topics will take place on September 4 and October 9. They will start at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM and will last approximately 20 minutes.

Man Overboard! A Murder Mystery Dinner
2021-08-11 18:00 - 20:30 UTC
Join Buffalo History Tours on the Fantail of the USS Little Rock for a unique dinner and theater experience.

Man Overboard’ a Naval Park Murder Mystery

The Cold War heats up in this military themed murder mystery staged aboard ships at the Buffalo Naval Park. Not everything on the USS Little Rock is ship shape after a crew member is killed and top secret documents are missing. You’ll need to channel your best NCIS sleuthing skills to solve this engaging and entertaining mystery.
Proceeds from all performances help ‘Save Our Ships‘ and keep the USS The Sullivans afloat.

The Performance

Buffalo, NY is the only place in the entire world where you can enjoy a murder mystery performance aboard a decommissioned U.S. Navy ship.
During this 2.5 hour improvisational event you’ll interact with the suspects and listen to testimony. You’ll also have opportunities to ask questions directly of the characters.

The Dinner
Enjoy a buffet style dinner:Salad: Mixed greens with strawberriesVegetable: Blend featuring corn, beans, almondsEntrée 1: Lemon chicken cutlets (or grilled chicken skewers or chicken parmesan)Entrée 2: Roast Pork Loin (or baked ham or pot roast)Side: Smashed red baby potatoes (or baked ziti or rice pilaf)Rolls & butterWater served with dinner

If you require a special meal due to dietary restrictions, please call 716-997-2245.

How To Order Tickets for the Murder Mystery Dinners

Tickets are $65 per person for these murder mystery dinners, there are no additional fees or taxes. If you want to pay by check, call 716-997-2245.
To make on-line reservations click on any one of the individual dates listed below. Performances start at 6PM with buffet dinner served at 6:45 PM.
Mystery Dinner Theater Performance Dates:
Wednesday July 7thWednesday July 14thWednesday July 21stWednesday August 11thWednesday August 18th

FAQs

Do these mystery dinner theater performances sell out?Yes, our performances typically sell out so it is best to order tickets ASAP.
Is this a stage play? How do improvisational murder mystery dinners events work?Our performance is improvised which means that most dialogue is not scripted. Audience members must interact with the actors in order to obtain clues and information. The format is lively, fun and personal. But be advised–you must be involved to solve the murder.
What about guests with dietary restrictions?Please call 716-997-2245 and we will make arrangements for gluten free or vegan diets.
What about groups?We love ’em. Tables typically seat 8 guests but we can create larger tables for bigger groups, or group tables together. If you have a group of 20 or larger, the group leader receives a free ticket. Call 716-997-2245 for details.
Is the venue accessible for guests with mobility issues?Yes and no. Guests must be able to navigate a long series of shallows stair to board the ships and use the restrooms. Stairs are steep but they do have handrails for safety.

All the action in these performances takes place aboard the ships. Guests will board the ships via a gangplank and then will ascend a series of steps that join the USS The Sullivans with the USS Little Rock. The stairs are shallow but steep and have hand rails for safety. Buffet dinner is served on the fantail of the USS Little Rock under a tent. Restrooms are below deck accessed via a set of stairs. Guests with limited mobility should call 716-997-2245 with questions about accessibility.

Deck Talks at the Naval Park
2021-08-08
History of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM

Join our Curator and Director of Museum Collections, Shane Stephenson, for Deck Talks at the Naval Park! Learn why a Naval Park was established in Buffalo, New York, how the ships arrived, and what is in store for the future.
These talks are free and will take place outdoors at a social distance, across from USS Croaker.
Future Deck Talks on a variety of topics will take place on August 15, September 4, and October 9. They will start at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM and will last approximately 20 minutes.

Man Overboard! A Murder Mystery Dinner
2021-07-21 18:00 - 20:30 UTC
Join Buffalo History Tours on the Fantail of the USS Little Rock for a unique dinner and theater experience.

Man Overboard’ a Naval Park Murder Mystery

The Cold War heats up in this military themed murder mystery staged aboard ships at the Buffalo Naval Park. Not everything on the USS Little Rock is ship shape after a crew member is killed and top secret documents are missing. You’ll need to channel your best NCIS sleuthing skills to solve this engaging and entertaining mystery.
Proceeds from all performances help ‘Save Our Ships‘ and keep the USS The Sullivans afloat.

The Performance

Buffalo, NY is the only place in the entire world where you can enjoy a murder mystery performance aboard a decommissioned U.S. Navy ship.
During this 2.5 hour improvisational event you’ll interact with the suspects and listen to testimony. You’ll also have opportunities to ask questions directly of the characters.

The Dinner
Enjoy a buffet style dinner: Salad: Mixed greens with strawberries Vegetable: Blend featuring corn, beans, almonds Entrée 1: Lemon chicken cutlets (or grilled chicken skewers or chicken parmesan) Entrée 2: Roast Pork Loin (or baked ham or pot roast) Side: Smashed red baby potatoes (or baked ziti or rice pilaf) Rolls & butter Water served with dinner

If you require a special meal due to dietary restrictions, please call 716-997-2245.

How To Order Tickets for the Murder Mystery Dinners

Tickets are $65 per person for these murder mystery dinners, there are no additional fees or taxes. If you want to pay by check, call 716-997-2245.
To make on-line reservations click on any one of the individual dates listed below. Performances start at 6PM with buffet dinner served at 6:45 PM.
Mystery Dinner Theater Performance Dates:
Wednesday July 7th Wednesday July 14th Wednesday July 21st Wednesday August 11th Wednesday August 18th

FAQs

Do these mystery dinner theater performances sell out?Yes, our performances typically sell out so it is best to order tickets ASAP.
Is this a stage play? How do improvisational murder mystery dinners events work?Our performance is improvised which means that most dialogue is not scripted. Audience members must interact with the actors in order to obtain clues and information. The format is lively, fun and personal. But be advised–you must be involved to solve the murder.
What about guests with dietary restrictions?Please call 716-997-2245 and we will make arrangements for gluten free or vegan diets.
What about groups?We love ’em. Tables typically seat 8 guests but we can create larger tables for bigger groups, or group tables together. If you have a group of 20 or larger, the group leader receives a free ticket. Call 716-997-2245 for details.
Is the venue accessible for guests with mobility issues?Yes and no. Guests must be able to navigate a long series of shallows stair to board the ships and use the restrooms. Stairs are steep but they do have handrails for safety.

All the action in these performances takes place aboard the ships. Guests will board the ships via a gangplank and then will ascend a series of steps that join the USS The Sullivans with the USS Little Rock. The stairs are shallow but steep and have hand rails for safety. Buffet dinner is served on the fantail of the USS Little Rock under a tent. Restrooms are below deck accessed via a set of stairs. Guests with limited mobility should call 716-997-2245 with questions about accessibility.
