Events

Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants Support Education and Tourism along the Erie Canal

Posted on December 15, 2021

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation, is pleased to announce that seven organizations have been selected to receive Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants totaling $64,323. Funded projects include vital work to showcase canal heritage and welcome people to explore the canal in their local communities.

“We are thrilled to support these community-driven projects to strengthen the Canalway Corridor as a vibrant place to live, work, visit, and play,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “These exciting projects will foster greater awareness and pride in New York’s canals that will have lasting benefits for residents and visitors.”

The grants range from $2,000 to $12,000 and will leverage an additional $161,107 in private and public project support. Over the past 13 years, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has made 90 grants to communities and non-profit organizations that have spurred $2.4 million in additional investments in heritage preservation, recreation, and education.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “It is an honor to join with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in supporting education, recreation, and tourism along New York’s canal system. The history of our canals provides the framework for our State’s great legacy, and we look forward to supporting and enhancing awareness of these storied waterways for years to come through these IMPACT! Grant projects.”

2020 ERIE CANALWAY IMPACT! GRANTS
Corn Hill Navigation, Pittsford

Award: $8,954

Improve educational and program delivery with new technology at a new visitor center being developed at Corn Hill Landing in Rochester.

Erie Canal Museum, Syracuse

Award: $9,015

Develop programming related to the Empire State Trail including a Syracuse-based Trail Ambassador Program and trail amenities that raise user awareness of the museum. Pilot both weekend and Corridor-wide trail rides.

Explore & More: The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum, Buffalo

Award: $11,454

Design and present an Erie Canal themed educational play experience every Wednesday throughout 2022 that will engage children and families.

Friends of Stewart Park, Ithaca

Award: $5,900

Design and install five outdoor interpretive signs that showcase the history of the Erie Canal and Cayuga Lake as they relate to the City of Ithaca.

National Abolition Hall of Fame, Peterboro

Award: $12,000

Design and install two outdoor interpretive signs within the Village of Canastota to raise awareness of the National Abolition Hall. Funds will also support a reenactment of a dramatic event that shaped the abolition movement in the United States.

Schoharie River Center, Esperance

Award: $12,000

Implement a series of educational programs with at-risk urban and rural youth to investigate water quality on the Erie Canal/Mohawk River and adjacent tributaries.

Village of Brockport, Brockport
Award: $5,000
Design and install a pair of outdoor interpretive signs that celebrate the history, design, and operation of the Village’s iconic lift bridges.

ABOUT THE ERIE CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR
Nearly 200 years after its construction, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor preserves our extraordinary canal heritage, promotes the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and fosters vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York.
www.eriecanalway.org

Wildlife Crossing program for Schoharie Crossing – Virtual

Posted on September 20, 2021

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will host Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy’s Conservation Director Sarah Walsh on Thursday, September 23rd at 6:30pm via Webex for a presentation on wildlife crossing.

Walsh will discuss how the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy conducts their conservation work in Albany, Schenectady and Montgomery counties. This presentation will provide a brief overview of MHLC and introduce the audience to their latest partnership with The Nature Conservancy to address wildlife crossings in this region. You will learn about the importance of the Catskill to Adirondack Conservation Corridor and how we are working on the ground to ensure wildlife connectivity in a disconnected world.

Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy has been conserving and stewarding the lands and waters of the Mohawk and Hudson River valleys for the benefit of people and the environment since 1992.

This program is free and open to the public via the platform: Webex. No registration is required; the Webex link goes live at 6:20pm and can be found on the Schoharie Crossing Facebook or NYS Parks website. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like a direct invite from Webex.

For information contact the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our web page: www.parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/schohariecrossing.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual state parks, historic sites, golf courses, boat launches and recreational trails, which are visited by 71 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter

Laverty to perform at Not Just for Kids Storytelling!

Posted on August 18, 2021

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is excited to host Jeanine Laverty for the next installment of the Not Just for Kids Storytelling series on Sunday, August 22^nd starting at 6pm.

Jeannine Laverty will tell, “Summer’s on the Move.” Laverty lives in Saratoga and has been telling international folk tales since 1979. She has taught weekend workshops in storytelling for adults at Sagamore and other Adirondack sites since 1980 and performs as part of the storytelling ensemble, SweetLand Storytellers.

Wrapping up the 2021 series on August 29th, Sandy Schuman will perform, “NY’s American Anthems: The Stories of Yankee Doodle, Take Me Out To The Ballgame, God Bless America, and More.” Schuman is a winner of the Susquehanna Folk Festival Liars Contest and the St. Louis Jewish Storytelling Contest and has been featured at The Northeast Storytelling Conference, Riverway Storytelling Festival, Caffè Lena, Proctors, Tellabration, and Limmud Boston.

Not Just for Kids Storytelling will be held outside, under a tent near the Visitor Center, 129 Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter, NY 12069. We encourage you to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to sit on. The program begins at 6pm and is free to the public due to the generous support of a Saratoga Arts’ Community Arts Grant that has been made possible with funding by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Karen’s Produce and Ice Cream is also another wonderful supporter of these programs.

For information please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our web page: www.parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/schohariecrossing.

Doolittle performs at Schoharie Crossing

Posted on August 6, 2021

Doolittle performs at Schoharie Crossing

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is excited to host storyteller Joe Doolittle for the second installment in the return of our annual Not Just for Kids Storytelling series on Sunday, August 8th starting at 6:00pm. Storytelling performances occur each week of the month and are open to the public of all ages. Local tellers, with well-crafted tales will perform during the 29th year of this program at Schoharie Crossing.

Doolittle, who resides in Scotia, will tell, “If the Waters Could Talk, the Stories They’d Tell…” This storyteller delivers with his humorous, good-natured style for audiences throughout upstate New York. He loves to tell personal and family stories and has developed many historically based tales about the early history of the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys and the Erie Canal. Doolittle is also co-producer of Story Circle at Proctors in Schenectady.

The lineup for the rest of the series is: August 15th, Margaret French. August 22nd, Jeannine Laverty. August 29th, Sandy Schuman.

Not Just for Kids Storytelling will be held outside, under a tent near the Visitor Center, 129 Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter, NY 12069. We encourage you to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to sit on. In case of rain, there is limited seating inside the Visitor Center and we will stream on Facebook. The program begins at 6pm and is free to the public due to the generous support of a Saratoga Arts’ Community Arts Grant that has been made possible with funding by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Karen’s Produce and Ice Cream is also another wonderful supporter of these programs.

For information please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our web page: www.parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/schohariecrossing.

Not Just for Kids Storytelling Returns to Schoharie Crossing!

Posted on July 19, 2021

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is excited to announce the return of the annual Not Just for Kids Storytelling series on Sunday evenings in August, starting at 6:00pm. This storytelling performance each week is open to the public of all ages. Local tellers, with well-crafted tales will perform during the 29th year of this program at Schoharie Crossing.

On August 1^st, Kate Dudding will perform, “Pandemic Ponderings: Stories of How I’ve Been Coping and Finding Joy.” Dudding is a storyteller from Saratoga County and has won several Regional and National storytelling awards such as the Northeast Region ORACLE Award from the National Storytelling Network.

August 8^th, Joe Doolittle of Scotia will be at the site to tell, “If the Waters Could Talk, the Stories They’d Tell…” This storyteller delivers with his humorous, good-natured style for audiences throughout upstate New York. He loves to tell personal and family stories and has developed many historically based tales about the early history of the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys and the Erie Canal. Doolittle is also co-producer of Story Circle at Proctors in Schenectady.

Margaret French will perform the program, “Nudging Reality,” on August 15^th. She a regular storyteller at Caffe Lena and at Woodlawn Commons in Saratoga. French is also a member of the StoryCircle of the Capital District, LANES (the association for storytellers in the Northeast), and the National Storytelling Network.

August 22^nd, Jeannine Laverty will tell, “Summer’s on the Move.” Laverty lives in Saratoga and has been telling international folk tales since 1979. She has taught weekend workshops in storytelling for adults at Sagamore and other Adirondack sites since 1980 and performs as part of the storytelling ensemble, SweetLand Storytellers.

For information please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our web page: www.parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/schohariecrossing.

Paddle the Mohawk Valley Set for August 7!

Posted on July 12, 2021

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is inviting people to sign up now for Paddle the Mohawk Valley, Saturday, August 7 from 9am-1pm. Participants will paddle the scenic and historic Mohawk River through Erie Canal Locks 11 and 12 and past several islands on this 5.5-mile guided half-day trip. Paddlers will start at Schoharie Crossing Boat Launch and paddle to Port Jackson/Amsterdam.

“We are eager to introduce people to paddling on the Erie Canal. Paddling safely together after a year of social isolation will be a wonderful way to celebrate and appreciate the recreational, scenic, and historic bounty of the Mohawk Valley,” said Mona Caron, Program Manager for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

“This summer is a season of economic recovery and finally getting back to the people and activities we love,” said New York State Canal Corporation Director Brain U. Stratton. “That’s why we’re incredibly excited to promote paddling on the historic and scenic Erie Canal, one of the premier waters ways in the Empire State which will allow New Yorkers and tourists alike to appreciate it in all its glory.”

Registration of $25 includes shuttle to and from parking and lunch. Kayak rentals are available for a fee. To register: http://paddlethemohawk2021.eventbrite.com

ABOUT THE ERIE CANALWAY
Nearly 200 years after its construction, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor preserves our extraordinary canal heritage, promotes the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and fosters vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York. www.eriecanalway.org

National Canal Museum program for Schoharie Crossing

Posted on June 22, 2021

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (opens in a new tab) will be hosting Martha Capwell Fox of the National Canal Museum to present, “Geography, Geology, and Genius: How Coal & Canals Ignited the American Industrial Revolution,” on Thursday, June 24^th at 6:30pm via Webex.

This presentation describes how a rather unique set of circumstances–the geography of rivers and mountains, along with geology that includes anthracite, iron ore, and limestone of northeastern Pennsylvania led several men with incredible energy, inventiveness, and courage brought about the beginnings of heavy industry in the US.

Martha Capwell Fox is the Historian and Archives Coordinator for the National Canal Museum/ Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. The National Canal Museum is dedicated to telling the story of America’s historic towpath canals and interprets the history and culture of canals as well as the science and technology behind their building, through exhibits and hands-on activities. The museum occupies the first floor of the Elaine and Peter Emrick Technology Center in beautiful Hugh Moore Park, a 520-acre City of Easton park nestled between the Lehigh Canal and Lehigh River in Pennsylvania.

This program is offered for FREE and is open to the public. No registration is required; the Webex link goes live at 6:20pm and can be found on the Schoharie Crossing Facebook or NYS Parks website.

For information or a direct link for this program, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our web page: www.parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/schohariecrossing.

Canalway Challenge Kicks Off Along New York’s Canals!

Posted on May 10, 2021

Canalway Challenge Kicks Off Along New York’s Canals
Walk, run, cycle, roll, or paddle to achieve your mileage goal

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor invites New Yorkers to take part in the Canalway Challenge in 2021 and enjoy the great outdoors along New York’s canals and Canalway Trails. Participants choose a mileage goal of 15, 90, 180, or 360 miles. They then walk, run or cycle on the Canalway Trail or paddle on the NYS Canal System to achieve it. People with disabilities are welcome to participate in a 1^st Mile Challenge by completing one mile.

“As New York begins to open more, the Canalway Challenge is a great way for people to get outside and discover all they can do along the canals and Canalway Trail,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “The range of mileage options is suited to people of all ages and abilities, from those who are just taking their first steps toward fitness to more experienced athletes.”

The Canalway Challenge is free and registration is open to individuals and teams. People can complete their miles in one big trip or many small ones.

The 1^st Mile Challenge offers people with disabilities and their family and friends opportunities to recreate together and build more active lifestyles. There are numerous places along the canals and Canalway Trail that are accessible and several that offer adaptive bikes and kayaks.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “New York’s Canals and adjoining trails offer unparalleled opportunities for safe, socially-distanced outdoor recreation. The Canalway Challenge showcases the tremendous investments made in both our canalside communities through Governor Cuomo’s Reimagine the Canals program, and in opening of the 750-mile Empire State Trail – the longest multi-use trail in the nation. As we continue to seek new and engaging ways to get outdoors while remaining safe and responsible, the Canal Corporation is thrilled to support this initiative and to invite all New Yorkers to experience the unmatched history and natural beauty of our magnificent Canalway Trail system.”

New York State Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “With more New Yorkers looking for ways to safely recreate outside and experience parts of the state they haven’t previously visited, the Canalway Challenge is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to explore the state’s canal system and the Erie Canalway Trail.”

The Canalway Challenge is funded with support from the National Park Service, the NYS Canal Corporation, and Market New York through I LOVE NY/New York State Division of Tourism as a part of the State’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

Participants should follow all New York State Department of Health guidelines for COVID-19 safety while on the Canalway Trail and while visiting state parks, historic sites, and communities.

This year’s Challenge runs through the end of October. Sign up at www.canalwaychallenge.com

ABOUT THE ERIE CANALWAY
Nearly 200 years after its construction, the Erie Canal remains an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and determination. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor preserves our extraordinary canal heritage, promotes the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and fosters vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. We achieve our mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York.
http://www.eriecanalway.org/

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Photo: The 2021 Canalway Challenge is on! New Yorkers are invited to sign up, choose a mileage goal, and explore the great outdoors along New York’s canals. The program is free and runs through October.

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/5FHm28f791o

Attention Tourism Properties/Businesses. We need your help!

Posted on April 16, 2021

The Fulton Montgomery Chamber of Commerce is seeking updated Brochures, Rack Cards, Menus etc. from all Tourism Properties/Businesses in Montgomery County.

We are currently looking for updated and new information to expand our Tourism Center and need your help.

Please email mctourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org if you have anything to provide to us. Pick-up’s can be arranged or you can drop off to our location at the Amsterdam Riverfront Center.

We look forward to hearing from you and expanding our Tourism Center. Thank you!

Funding Available for 2021 Canal-Related Event

Posted on March 17, 2021

With New York State beginning to open more and an increase in gathering sizes allowed in public spaces, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation, has opened a call for applications for 2021 canal-related event funding.

Municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for $500 sponsorships for events that promote or celebrate the distinctive historic, cultural, or recreational resources throughout the Canalway Corridor. Events that actively include or serve people with disabilities or people from underserved populations are encouraged to apply.

“We are eager for a return of safe events that showcase New York State’s extraordinary canal heritage and recreational resources. Pre-pandemic research shows that events and tours draw hundreds of thousands of people to the canal each year and deliver $1.3 billion annually in economic benefits to communities,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

“As New York begins to reopen and return to normal, we’re thrilled to be working with canalside communities and partners to uplift local economies and remind New Yorkers of the tremendous historic significance and opportunity offered by the Erie Canal,” said Brian U. Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation. “Alongside the efforts of Governor Cuomo to reinvigorate upstate cities and towns along the canals through the Reimagine the Canals program, these events will bring New Yorkers together in a safe way and bring a much-needed boost to communities along the length of the Canal.”

Applications are due by April 16, 2021 and events must take place from May 1 through October 31, 2021. A minimum one-to-one match is required. Eligible events must comply with New York State COVID-19 guidelines.

For instructions and an online application, visit www.eriecanalway.org.

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor works to preserve the Nation’s extraordinary canal heritage, promote the Corridor as a world-class tourism destination, and foster vibrant communities connected by more than 500 miles of waterway. It achieves its mission in partnership with the National Park Service, New York State agencies, non-profit organizations, local residents, and more than 200 communities across the full expanse of upstate New York. www.eriecanalway.org

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Tag: Erie Canal

Events

Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants Support Education and Tourism along the Erie Canal

Wildlife Crossing program for Schoharie Crossing – Virtual

Laverty to perform at Not Just for Kids Storytelling!

Doolittle performs at Schoharie Crossing

Not Just for Kids Storytelling Returns to Schoharie Crossing!

Paddle the Mohawk Valley Set for August 7!

National Canal Museum program for Schoharie Crossing

Canalway Challenge Kicks Off Along New York’s Canals!

Attention Tourism Properties/Businesses. We need your help!

Funding Available for 2021 Canal-Related Event