Author & Historian
Uncovering the forgotten stories of Western New York — from the Holland Land Company to the battlefields of the War of 1812.
Joseph Anthony Buscaglia is a dedicated historian whose roots run deep in Western New York. Drawn to the whispers of history echoing through its corners, he has devoted his life to uncovering the tales of the region's pioneers, settlers, and soldiers.
From a childhood fascination with local history, Buscaglia has built a lifelong passion for uncovering the tales of Western New York's pioneers and the tumultuous era of the War of 1812. His expertise lies in historical research with a focus on early settlers, the Holland Land Company, and events on the Niagara Frontier.
His meticulous approach — drawing on archival deeds, military records, land surveys, and rare photographs — has brought to light stories that had long been overlooked by mainstream history. Each book and research project represents years of patient inquiry in service of the communities whose history deserves to be told.
A mystery that has long plagued historians — the final resting place of Williamsville's founder. When human remains were unearthed in 1969, Buscaglia's meticulous research challenges the prevailing assumption, offering compelling evidence that Williams' true grave remains undiscovered.
View on Amazon → Vol. IIAmidst the chaos of war, Williamsville played a pivotal role — hosting thousands of soldiers and witnessing both triumph and tragedy. From makeshift barracks to the somber grounds of a military hospital, the landscape bore witness to untold suffering and sacrifice.
View on Amazon → Vol. IIIInspired by the writings of T. Apoleon Cheney, Buscaglia embarks on a journey to unearth the remnants of a forgotten civilization — the enigmatic earthworks and burial sites scattered throughout Western New York — seeking to preserve their legacy.
View on Amazon → Vol. IVA meticulously researched account of the forgotten War of 1812 Cemetery on Aero Drive in Cheektowaga. Drawing from archival deeds and military hospital records, Buscaglia traces the stories of over 300 American and British soldiers buried beneath unmarked soil.
View on Amazon →Investigates the location of the Cantonment — including barracks, huts, and a hospital — near the present-day Lehn Springs Development.
Visit Site →Explores the Rifle and Artillery Cantonments — soldiers housed in log barracks along Ellicott Creek, with a sally port leading to the Williamsville Cemetery.
Visit Site →Also known as the Garrison Cemetery — containing the graves of American and British soldiers who died in an American military hospital during the war.
Visit Site →An exploration of the forgotten history of Cantonment Williams Ville — a major War of 1812 encampment. Drawing on letters, legal records, and early land-ownership documents, the presentation reveals how U.S. Infantry troops built huts on private property, and uncovers a previously unknown burial ground connected to the lost Cantonment.
Presented as part of the Holland Land Office Museum Guest Speaker Series. Admission by suggested donation. Contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or via email to attend.
Drawing on decades of archival experience, Joseph Buscaglia offers personalized research services for individuals, organizations, and institutions seeking to uncover the history of Western New York.
Step into the past with a guided walking tour led by Joseph Buscaglia himself. Explore the sites, streets, and hidden corners of Western New York's most significant — and most forgotten — historical locations.
Questions, research inquiries, or presentation requests are welcome.
research@jabuscaglia.com