By Kate Bartlett
This Valentine’s Day, treat your sweetheart (or yourself) to a night out at the Buffalo History Museum’s inaugural Sweetheart’s Dance, February 10th at 7pm. The night will include a dance lesson with Swing Buffalo, live music by Alex Rene Big Band, featuring Donna Kerr on vocals, and full access to explore to the Buffalo History Museum after hours. Step back in time and enjoy a fun 50’s themed night. Sweets and treats provided by local bakers and cocktails available for purchase.
always looking for new ways to engage the community and bring history alive,” says Brian Hayden, Director of Communications with the museum. “We decided on a historically themed dance as a fun event to give a nod to the 50’s era and offer the opportunity to experience the museum come alive in a new and exciting way.”
The Buffalo History Museum is one of the few remaining buildings from the Pan American Exposition, and one of the most historic buildings in Buffalo. Guests are greeted with historical architecture and the beautiful timeless backdrop of Frederick Law Olmstead’s Delaware Park. The museum frequently hosts weddings and other private events, with it’s timeless beauty and classic architecture offering a regal setting for any celebration. The Sweetheart Dance will be held in the main hall with the state court transformed into a dance hall. The Alex Rene Big Band will play on the balcony overlooking the court.
“We are making the most of this historic space and will have it decorated for the Valentines’ Holiday. Our staff has been working on cutting hundreds of paper hearts to hang from the ceiling. This event is a great introduction to the museum. We’re excited to introduce ourselves to new audiences and reintroduce ourselves to those who may have not visited in a while.”
Guests are able to explore the museum after hours during the Sweetheart Dance. This unique opportunity allows access to all exhibits while enjoying the sounds of live 50’s big band music, dressed in their best 50’s attire, transporting them into a different era.
Museum exhibits include the popular “Icons” which highlights makers and moments of Buffalo Sports, and “Continuum” which explores the history of Erie country through artifacts of the area, including Pierce Arrow, and Fisher Price. “It’s the classic curation story of the community,” says Brian. Downstairs exhibits include Chippewa 1975, a photo exhibition by Charles Haan showing the mid 70’s bad old days of Chippewa Street in Buffalo, along with “History Makers 2”, which shares stories of top leaders and trailblazers who changed Buffalo.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in authentic 50’s attire and bring their dancing shoes to boogie-woogie and bunny hop on the dance floor. Enjoy cocktails and sweets, treats and baked goods from local bakeries. Step back in time and enjoy an unforgettable themed evening at the museum.
Tickets are $100 couple, $50 individual available for pre-purchase on buffalohistory.org, ages 21+. The Buffalo History Museum is located at and is open with pay what you wish admission ($10 recommended) for the general public Wednesdays 10-8, Thursdays-Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 12-5. Admission is free on M&T Third Fridays from 10-8pm. Tickets at the front desk or Eventbrite.