May 29 – June 1, 2025

The Society for Industrial Archeology’s 53rd Annual Conference will be held in Buffalo, New York, a city with a robust industrial history on the eastern shore of Lake Erie.

In the span of about fifty years, the small settlement of Buffalo, New York, that was home to fewer than 1,000 residents transformed itself into one of the country’s leading business and manufacturing hubs. The Erie Canal, one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels, breathed new life into Buffalo in 1825 (following its burning by the British in 1812), setting the stage for the city to become an industrial powerhouse throughout the 19th century. Industries like grain, steel, aviation, electric power, and even luxury automobiles helped Buffalo become the 8th largest city in the United States. Buffalo’s national prominence and business acumen even saw international recognition, when it was selected to be the site of a World’s Fair in 1901, the Pan-American Exposition. This dazzling, multi-month event marked Buffalo as a true epicenter of wealth and progress in the United States.  The City of Light, as it was dubbed during the Pan-Am, encapsulated what the “American Dream” truly was. A place where hard work, innovation, and invention transformed a small trading post, into one of the nation’s most influential cities. Owing to this rich history, the SIA is excited to revisit Buffalo for the first time since 1992. The society’s 53rd annual conference, scheduled for May 29 – June 1, 2025, will explore Buffalo’s industry and infrastructure –  both past and present.

Watch this site for more information. SIA members will also receive information and updates via email and the SIA Newsletter.

We look forward to seeing you in Buffalo!

Caption for Image Above: Electric power lines in vicinity of west billet yard, 32″ mill view looking southeast – Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Lackawanna Plant, Route 5 on Lake Erie, Buffalo, Erie County, NY.  (HAER Photo)