Nerd Out at the Buffalo Museum of Science

4/27/2019

Like many cities of its size, Buffalo has incredible museums that offer people of all ages fun day trips right in town. I live a few miles from the Buffalo museum of Science, and even though I don't have any kids of my own yet, it is a fun place to visit when my cousin is in town with her kids. Her family has a pass which allows them free visits for up to 5 people all year long (a perk of through her husbands employer), so sometimes I tag along with them to see what new exhibits are going on. On our last visit, we explored a lot of the different rooms with her kids, who span in age from 5-11. For the most part, her kids are too cool to pose with us for pictures, but her 5 year old Lily snapped this photo of Katie and I posing in front of the Megalodon.

One of the coolest parts of the science museum is how interactive it is: There are hundreds of old artifacts that cannot be touched, of course, but there are plenty of rooms like this shopping center which teaches kids how to pick out groceries and cash 'customers' out. The balance between learning and play is evident at the museum, and it truly makes what might be a dry and boring museum experience for kids much more fun.

When I left the Buffalo Museum of Science, I wanted to learn more about its history and did a little research to find out some interesting facts about how the museum 'evolved' (pun intended). Turns out, the Young Mens Association (YMA), which was founded way back in 1836 in the city of Buffalo, was responsible for all cultural activities in the city such as the public library and literature and art. The YMA became owners of numerous artifacts, insects, and plants and they began to save them and display them properly. Over time, it turned into the Buffalo of Museum and Science.

I am truly proud of my city, and talk about Buffalo fondly to literally everyone I meet. The fact that our town has managed to revitalize such incredible old buildings, keep its exquisite architecture, and preserve historical treasures is truly something to be in awe of. As an avid traveler, I am often struck by how much Buffalo has to be proud of: not only do we have new and exciting new builds going up around the city, but we have more old art deco architecture than a lot of other cities can even imagine. The vibrancy I see all around Buffalo is something that is getting better and better each year, and I am proud to call it my adopted city.

4 Comments

Alexa Amoia

5/6/2019 06:46:42 am

Hi Lauren! Although I've lived in Buffalo my entire life, I've never visited the science museum! I love the pictures you've provided because they truly show how active the museum is & interesting things to try there. It also seems very kid friendly which is awesome. The Strong Museum in Rochester reminds me of this one a lot. What are some of your favorite exhibits in the museum? Do they ever change, or do they stay the same all year round? Thank you for sharing! I can't wait to check it out.

morgan shaw

5/13/2019 04:50:19 am

I have never been to the museum given that I too don't have kids and always thought that it was weird to go to a children's museum alone as a 21 year old. your post has inspired me to re think that. I love museums and learning about the past so I appreciated the research you did into the origins of the place. this was a great post and I really enjoyed reading it!

Joaley Da Silva

5/13/2019 08:55:40 am

this looks like so much fun! The only science museum I have ever been to was in rochester and I remember a really crazy tornado simulator, what are some interactive things you like while there?

alanna

5/13/2019 10:48:51 am

I visit the science museum several times a year with my nieces and nephews. I think the building is beautiful but the exhibits haven't been updated in a years Once you've done them a few times it gets boring, . I would like to see more interactive exhibits for children too young to read. Glad you enjoyed though!

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