Italian Immigrants in Buffalo & Western New York

Join us on Saturday, June 6 at 1:00&2:00 PM in the Ring of Knowledge for the next talk in our 2026 Explore Buffalo Series, “Italian Immigrants in Buffalo & Western New York!” Speaker Debra Hall-Stonish will discuss Buffalo’s history as a story of immigrants. Italians migrated to Buffalo in the latter part of the 19th century escaping famine brought on by drought and high taxes. Those with Italian ancestry are the third largest immigrant group to make their home in Buffalo. This presentation will cover the movement of Italian immigrants in Buffalo, the businesses they were involved in (including the influence of the Mafia), prominent Italian-American citizens and their eventual absorption into the melting pot of cultures that gives Buffalo its character.

This talk is free. All ages are welcome.