The Buffalo History Museum and
Cherry Blossoms

The Japanese Gardens of Buffalo were originally conceived in 1970 with construction being complete in 1972. The purpose was to create a place of beauty and tranquility as well as commemorate the sister city relationship between Buffalo, New York and Kanazawa, Japan. Based on a famous garden in Kanazawa, Japan the Japanese Gardens of Buffalo are located in the Fredrick Law Olmsted Parkway system on the banks of Mirror Lake behind The Buffalo History Museum. The Gardens feature three islands, Japanese garden lanterns, pagodas, and a pathway with rustic stone steps imported from Japan. It is considered a horticultural masterpiece with over one thousand plants, including fifty flowering Cherry Blossom trees and an extensive Hosta collection, donated by the Hosta Society of Western New York. There is also a collection of Japanese Maple and Evergreen trees.

The first ever Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from April 23 to May 4, 2014 in and around the Japanese Garden in Delaware Park, Buffalo, New York.

The Buffalo History Museum is thrilled to be among the several local cultural organizations that will assist in executing interpretive programming for visitors of all ages and walks of life.

• An academic lecture and book signing with Dr. Francis Kowsky who will speak about his publication, ” The Best Planned City in the World: Olmsted, Vaux, and the Buffalo Park System. That takes place on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
• A traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony that will take place at The Buffalo History Museum on Wednesday April 23, 2014. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe the ancient Ceremony lead by Atsuko Nishida-Mitchell.
• On Saturday, April 26 with a lecture and booking signing by Washington D.C. based author Ann McClellan. McClellan will speak about her book, “The Cherry Blossom Festival: Sakura Celebration.” The lecture will discuss the long standing and famous Cherry Blossom Festival of the nation’s capital and draw parallels to Buffalo’s inaugural celebration.
• Activities will take place in the Japanese Gardens throughout the entire Festival including Japanese kite making, games, dancers, musicians, puppeteers, and dancers.
•  On Sunday, May 4, Cherry Blossom Family Day features artifact scavenger hunts, museum tours, live performers and lots more!

Tara Lyons,
Program Manager