Michigan Street Baptist Church (Exterior Tours Only)
511 Michigan Ave.
Local African-American tradesmen, 1845-1849
Last admittance: 3:30pm
Handicap accessible.
Exterior Tours. 

Visitor Experience:The church was founded in 1836 by a group of African Americans who sought to create a community worship space that offered protection and kindness to all who entered. UPDATE 9/26/24: Exterior tours only. Archaeologists will be onsite outside the church and available to answer questions.

Building Description: Constructed by the original congregation between 1845 and 1849, the church has undergone several renovations throughout its history. In 1907, a baptismal pool was added, and in the 1950s, changes were made to the front facade with the removal of stairs leading to the church. Federal funds were procured with the creation of The Buffalo Niagara Freedom Station Coalition in 2001 allowing the church and its caretakers to first restore the roof that was soon to cave in. The first phase of serious restoration work began in 2020 and was completed in 2022, focusing on stabilizing the structure. Over the summer of 2024, an extensive archaeological dig was completed on the grounds. The church has been newly reopened after an extensive restoration project, returning it to its original state with hardwood floors, meticulously restored historic painting and trim, and replicas of the original pews. The next phase of construction will begin in late fall 2024 or early spring 2025 and will include the construction of an annex.

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