Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums, Buffalo NY

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.Frederick Douglass Inspiring words to remember as we forge ahead in uncertain times! #happyfourthofjuly #staysafe

We're very happy to announce that both our Buffalo locations will return to their regular 11AM to 4PM Tuesday through Sunday operational hours starting Tuesday, July 7th! To insure the safety and well being of our patrons and staff, exhibits have been rearranged, social distancing measures will be in place, and wearing face coverings while inside our facilities will be required. As always, admission to the Museum remains free and open to all, except for Carole Baskin.

Thrilled to have been back together with the Vocalis family last night! After two outdoor rehearsals, it was time for our October Virtual Concert recording sess...ion. So great, as well to be back in our favorite venue, the Karpeles Manuscript Museum in Buffalo. Vocalis was split into two 12 voice ensembles, with each group recording four pieces. We also combined on one piece. Singing with masks and at distance wasn't easy, but after the long break, we were all extraordinarily grateful to be performing again! Virtual Concert ticketing info coming soon to this space and our website! Join us from home on October 17th! Missing all of our Vocalis fans. Thanks so much for your support! Stay well!

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.Frederick Douglass Inspiring words to remember as we forge ahead in uncertain times! #happyfourthofjuly #staysafe

We’re continuing to monitor news surrounding the COVID-19 virus. In the best interest, safety and well-being of our Patrons and Staff during this difficult time, we have decided to close both our Buffalo locations to the General Public until the start of Phase Four of New York State’s PAUSE Order Reopening Plan. This is a dynamic, evolving situation and we will continue to follow the directives of the CDC, and local government officials. Please check with us through our facebook page or email us directly at [email protected] with any questions. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Picking a venue is often the most stressful part of planning, especially for a type A bride like myself. When hunting I was looking for a beautiful, historic p...iece of Buffalo but also a place that would let me put my own spin on things and take creative control of hiring my own vendors. Karpeles (and Chris the director of Karpeles) absolutely blew us away and was exactly what we were looking for. We had our reception at Porter Hall and it is such a Buffalo Gem. It is stunning, and the fact that its mostly white made it a beautiful canvas you could build off of. The white arches, warm wood accents, side room with the fireplace, and central organ gave the space so much warmth and class. I also loved that the main room was big enough for tables and a dancefloor without having to move anything around, we had about 160 people. The side rooms were perfect to set up our buffet, and then we put our bar in the fireplace side room, I loved that the building made it so people could wander and explore a bit, we had an ice cream truck come and there is a beautiful garden out front where people at their ice cream and relaxed too. Karpeles saved and beautifully restored this building and it is a wonderful museum that displays priceless documents, one of my favorite moments at our wedding was when I quietly stepped away and looked at one of the cases and noticed it held an original copy of Puccini's Madame Butterfly, I thought how cool that such a masterpiece is present for a special day in my little life. Anyways, anecdote aside, I really wanted my wedding to have a classy and vintage (but not pretentious) atmosphere and this was the perfect place. It was also very cool that friends and family who grew up in Buff got to see a building they've never visited before (instead of going to the same banquet halls they've been to a bunch). This venue is more for a bride who is okay with taking on a little extra stress of finding a caterer, and bringing in things like tables, chairs, decor, DJ, etc. You are renting the building and Chris and staff of the building are amazing and will help you with anything or any questions and go above in beyond with recommendations and assistance but ultimately it is up to you to hire your vendors and coordinate everything (I liked this because than my fiancee and I could pick all the people we worked with and could make every detail really feel like us, but this much creative control could definitely be overwhelming if you are more the type of person who wants a package where everything is provided for you). I also have to say Chris really became a good friend through this process. He is extremely professional but with a warmth and passion that you don't often see in the wedding Biz. He wants you to have the day of your dreams and will try to help in every way, he also answers emails extremely quick and always answers in full detail, but also always asks how you are doing and remembers to human aspect of what Brides are going through, just an awesome guy. I was hoping to have things like a sparkler exit and candlesticks at the tables, two things that are big no no's in a lot of spaces or banquet halls but Chris said as long as we properly plan for it and take a couple precautions we could do almost anything we'd like. I pride myself on being blunt and honest and I can honestly say brides are lucky to have a place like Karpeles exist in Buffalo, do not hesitate to pick them if you are looking to have a unique and beautiful day worth remembering!! See more

Congratulations to Elizabeth & Shar on your wedding day! We started the day at Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums, Buffalo NY for the ceremony, and ended at H...otel Henry for the reception! Thanks for letting us capture your beautiful day :) Videography: Monarch Productions - Wedding Videography Photography: Jacqueline Connor Photography DJ: Saxman Slim Ceremony: Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums, Buffalo NY Reception: Hotel Henry

Happy New Year! . . . #newyearseve #nye #newyear #christmas #newyears #party #happynewyear #celebration #love #newyearsparty #celebrate #newyearsday #hiphop #newyearsresolution #champagne #jan #holiday #fun #newyearscelebration #2020 #newdecade #roaring20s #roaringtwenties

From #ceremonies to #receptions let the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum help you create your dream wedding! Thank you for sharing this Shannon! #hitchedatkarpeles

On view at our North Hall location until Nov. 20th!

Did you come out yesterday? Make sure to tag us in your posts and share your experience! The exhibit will be on view until Nov. 20th at our North Hall location. Posted #repost @miseducationofmabelhill 50 years ago Peggie Ames faced discrimination as a trans woman living in the suburbs. Find out more about her and other LGBTQ activists in Buffalo at Gay Liberation NOW!: The Exhibition. When: November 10, 11am-4pm Where: @karpelesmuseumbuffalo 220 North Street... Design: @_amandakillian Refreshments by our fabulous sponsors: @paradisewinebuffalo , @publicespresso and @barrelnbrine #gaylibnow #queerrustbelt #transhistory #lesbianhistory #gaybuffalo #stonewall50

WIVB’s weekly best of Buffalo poll is Buffalo’s best wedding venue this time around. If you have a second to click through, and of course, think we deserve it, we’d appreciate your vote. Thanks!

Illustration Courtesy of Mickey Thoren Harmon