Events

Erie Canalway Photo Contest

Posted on June 7, 2018

Amateur and professional photographers are invited submit images for the 13^th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest (opens in a new tab) . Images should convey the wealth of things to do and see along the waterway and express the unique character of the canal and canal communities. Winning photos will be featured in the 2019 Erie Canalway calendar. Images will be judged in four contest categories: On the Water, Along the Trail, Canal Communities, and Classic Canal. Judges will select first, second, and third place winning images in each category, as well as 12 honorable mentions. Images must be taken within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor (opens in a new tab) , which spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York. It encompasses the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities. Entries must be postmarked by August 31, 2018. Download official contest rules and an entry form at https://eriecanalway.org/get-involved/photo-contest (opens in a new tab)

Poetry Songs and History Songs at Schoharie Crossing

Posted on June 1, 2018

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (opens in a new tab) will host musicians Cosby Gibson and Tom Staudle as they present: “Poetry Songs and History Songs” on Sunday, June 3^rd at 4:00pm. This inspiring musical performance brings together the words of famous poets and original tunes by Tom Staudle such as Robert Frost, Edgar Allen Poe, Andy Rooney, and more. Gibson’s History Song series portrays the life of the American Settlers during the Revolution in upstate New York through her original songs.

Cosby and Tom are regional musicians who focus on songwriting in acoustic and blues-style. Their new albums are both winners in the Capital District Original Music Awards, 2018, for Best Folk Album, and Best Folk Lyrics respectively.

“With guitar, violin, banjo, harmonica, and ukulele, these high-spirited independent artists present heartfelt original acoustic folk and blues.” ~ Folk Times

“Cosby and Tom are regional musicians who focus on songwriting in acoustic and blues-style, and tour in the northeast and beyond. Their new albums are both winners in the Capital District Original Music Awards, 2018, for Best Folk Album, and Best Folk Lyrics respectively.”

This event is free and perfect for families.

For information about this event or more, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516 or email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov (opens in a new tab) . For more information about New York State Parks, visit the website at www.nysparks.com (opens in a new tab) .

Putman Porch Music Series

Posted on May 24, 2018

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (opens in a new tab) has announced the return of the Putman Porch Music series for its fourth year starting on Thursday, June 7th at 6:00pm. This series invites local musicians to come spend an evening on the historic Putman Canal Store porch to jam and enliven the vibe of the former Erie Canal stop off. Putman’s store building is located at Yankee Hill Lock on the grounds of Schoharie Crossing, 553 Queen Anne Road.

Musicians with an interest in American roots, bluegrass and folk music are encouraged to spend some time on the porch and be a part of a great experience. Much like a group of canawlers that happen to be stuck waiting at the lock, a few instruments and strong voices is all that is needed to pass the time.

Putman Porch Music will occur every Thursday in June from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. These are free events open to the public.

The grounds for the site are open all year from dawn until dusk.

For information about this event or what is available at Schoharie Crossing, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516 or email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov (opens in a new tab) . Find and like us on Facebook (opens in a new tab) . For more information about New York State Parks, visit the website at www.nysparks.com (opens in a new tab) .

Kids to Parks Day at Schoharie Crossing

Posted on May 16, 2018

Kids to Parks Day at Schoharie Crossing

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will be participating in the national program called Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 19. Bring the kids or grandkids out to the park for a nature program and exploration of the natural wonders of this rich historic site! We will traverse the trail, watching for birds and spotting wildflowers along the way!

The leisurely nature walk starts next to the Visitor Center at 11am and it will take about 90 minutes with interpretive staff. The site is excited to once again be part of National Park Trust’s Kids to Parks Day.

After the walk, children will be encouraged to participate in a seed planting craft project and decorate the sidewalks with chalk. This event is free and perfect for families.

Bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy at the site and create new memories that will last a lifetime.

Hundreds of thousands of children nationwide will take part in a ‘national day of play’ on Saturday, May 19, to commemorate National Park Trust’s seventh annual Kids to Parks Day. National Park Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is dedicated to preserving parks today and creating park stewards for tomorrow. Since 1983, NPT has completed more than 100 land projects benefiting 40 national parks and other public lands in 33 states and Washington, D.C.

For information about this event and more, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516 or email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov. For more information about New York State Parks, visit the website at www.nysparks.com. Find Schoharie Crossing on Facebook to like and follow all of our wonderful events and programs.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by more than 60 million people annually. For more informatin on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com

Canal Events and Tours Generate $1.5 Billion in Annual Economic Impact

Posted on May 9, 2018

Canal Events and Tours Generate $1.5 Billion in Annual Economic Impact

As the nation celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week May 6 – 12, 2018, a new study of the economic impact of events and tours in the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor calls attention to the power of tourism along New York State’s iconic canals. An estimated $1.5 billion annually is generated by events, boat tours, bicycle and paddle-sport rentals and historic site/museum tours along the Erie, Champlain, Owsego and Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Events and tours drew 3.3 million visitors in 2017.

“Not only are these events and recreational tours a fun way to experience what the canal system has to offer, they provide a significant return on investment for host communities,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “In partnership with the National Park Service and the NYS Canal Corporation, we are proud to consistently support and promote many of these endeavors and are now pleased to see the impressive economic impact revealed in this report.”

The economic analysis was conducted by Level 7 Market Research for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor through its nonprofit affiliate, the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc., and supported by a grant from Market New York through I LOVE NEW YORK, the state’s Division of Tourism, as a part of the Regional Economic Development Council awards.

Over the last 10 years, the number of events in the Canalway Corridor has increased dramatically to include concerts, arts festivals, cycling and paddling events, celebrations of local foods and beverages, and events that focus on history and heritage. According to the NYS Canal Corporation website, the 2017 calendar held more than 470 events.

New York State Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is one of New York State’s tourism treasures. With countless opportunities to experience the Canal’s rich history and the attractions in surrounding communities, there’s no time like the present to include the Canal in your next New York State vacation.”

“Two centuries ago, a narrow ribbon of water just 4 feet deep and 40 feet wide fueled the economic ascendancy of the Empire State. Today’s Canal System builds on the legacy of the original Erie Canal, continuing to serve as the economic lifeblood of the cities, towns, and villages that line this iconic waterway’s banks,” said Brian U. Stratton, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation. “As we prepare for our 194^th consecutive season of operation, we look forward to yet another year of great events and canal attractions generating revenue for small businesses and economic benefits for canal communities.”

The eastern Erie Canal from Waterford to Brewerton is scheduled to open May 15, weather permitting, with an opening ceremony to take place at Lock 2 in Waterford at 10am. The entire canal system is set to open on May 18.

This year’s event highlights include: the 20^th Anniversary of Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour, organized by Parks & Trails New York, and the cross canal journey of the Corning Museum of Glass GlassBarge, traveling with Lake Champlain Maritime Museum’s canal schooner Lois McClure.

Read the full Canal Event Analysis and Visitor Research Study at: https://eriecanalway.org/our-work/promote-tourism

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York, encompassing the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities. Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission and the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund work in partnership to preserve our extraordinary heritage, to promote the Corridor as a world class tourism destination, and to foster vibrant communities connected by the waterway. www.eriecanalway.org

Call for Paintings Extended

Posted on May 7, 2018

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (opens in a new tab) is extending the deadline for submissions for paintings to be included in the 2018 art show. Painters residing in New York State who want to showcase their work in a competitive, juried exhibition are encouraged to read the show description and submit original work in the theme of Lock in the Fun: Recreation at Schoharie Crossing. The deadline is now May 25^th.

To recognize the centennial of the NYS Barge Canal, Schoharie Crossing is hosting this second annual exhibition of talented artists. This year the focus will be on paintings only. Jurors have accepted the task of reviewing the artwork and prizes will be awarded to those honored by the jurors.

The Erie Canal historic site and NYS Park is a great place for recreation such as walking, cycling, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, picnics, and more; providing memories & experiences for generations. The site supplies great views of nature as well and the historic canal structures are juxtaposed among the natural world of plants and animals along the Schoharie Creek and Mohawk River. The trails along old towpaths of the canal allow for a journey back in time. Flora and fauna thrive within the tranquility of the waterways, wetlands and open spaces of Schoharie Crossing, lending great inspiration for any artist.

The Erie Canal’s vital importance is highlighted by the classic arches of the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct and the impressive lock chambers that still exist at locations throughout Schoharie Crossing. Views of the Mohawk and Schoharie Valleys can also be taken in as you explore this landscape.

Schoharie Crossing encompasses over two hundred acres and spans over three miles in length. From the western end of the site at the Aqueduct boat launch, across the Schoharie Creek and east to Yankee Hill Lock and the Putman Canal Store. The site contains portions of the original 1820’s Erie Canal as well as features two sets of double locks from the Enlarged Era Canal and is adjacent to the Erie Canal of today; the Mohawk River. Lock E12 at Tribes Hill on the river is situated close to the site and provides access to witnessing the newest century old canal of today.

All along the site there is ample opportunity to explore your artistic skills, from photography, painting, and even sketches. Discover more on the Schoharie Crossing Facebook page or on the Friends of Schoharie Crossing Instagram and Twitter.

Submissions can be made online (https://goo.gl/forms/4PjuP5kRW6ZF4wuy2 (opens in a new tab) ). The exhibit’s opening celebration will take place during the Schoharie Crossing Canal Days festivities, July 14^th and 15th, 2018, and artwork will be displayed through August. For more information on how to enter, please visit the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site page (opens in a new tab) of the New York State Parks website, nysparks.com, call Schoharie Crossing at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov (opens in a new tab) or find us on Facebook (opens in a new tab) .

Mohawk Valley Tourism

Posted on February 21, 2018

Center Plan Gains Traction: Enters ‘Re-imagine the Canals’ Competition

Schenectady – Utica/Rome NY Newswire: Towns, villages, and historical organizations join with CDTA, Via Port Rotterdam and Mohawk Valley Region Economic Development to support this historic tourism effort.

● Promotion of the Mohawk Valley and Erie Canal Towns from Albany to Utica/Rome.

● Twenty-two towns in seven counties targeted to benefit from coordinated effort.

● Tourism is the number three driver of economic development in New York State.

● Mohawk Valley towns need a new coordinated effort.

● From 1920 through the 1930s, the

‘Mohawk Valley Turnpike (now Route 5) was the number one tourism roadway in New York State.

The ‘Re-imagine The Canals’ competition will set the Mohawk Valley/Canal Country as a destination, with connections at Via Port to all attractions in the Capital District, and on to all the sites through to Utica/Rome.

The first Tourism Center preview is an open house at Via Port. The Tribes Hill Heritage Center’s ‘Native Crafts’, is featuring original items from all across the United States. The exhibit open house is 11am Saturday Feb. 24th at Via Port Rotterdam Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

Contact:

Randall Hogue – Executive Director

Community Media Services & SACC.TV

518-844-2820

director@sacc.tv

New Research Sheds Light on Canalway Corridor Visitors

Posted on February 9, 2018

New Research Sheds Light on Canalway Corridor Visitors

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor today released results from a recently-commissioned study about current and prospective visitors to the 500-mile Canalway Corridor. The information is intended to help tourism promoters, businesses and heritage sites better attract and serve visitors, including boaters, cyclists, sightseers and vacationers. “This new research really helps us understand who visits, what attracts them, the kinds of activities they engage in, and what they think of their experience. We are grateful that so many people took the time to offer their feedback and insights,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Ross D. Levi, New York State Executive Director of Tourism, said, “The Erie Canal is a tourism crown jewel for New York State, providing countless opportunities for residents and visitors alike to discover its history, enjoy its water activities and explore its attractions in surrounding towns and villages. This study will help our tourism partners better understand canal visitors, which will help their marketing efforts and continue to increase tourism statewide.” More than 1,000 people participated in online surveys and 20 provided in-depth interviews conducted by Rochester-based Level 7 Market Research on behalf of the National Heritage Corridor. Visitors and prospective visitors who live near the canal system, as well as those from other parts of New York and neighboring states, participated, providing a reliable and geographically-diverse research sample. Among the findings:

Recent and prospective visitors were drawn to the history of the area and to exploring local canal communities; boat tours/boating and attending festivals/events are major draws among prospective visitors.
Most recent visitors rated their experience high— 8 out of 10.
70% of visitors who live in the Canalway Corridor selected “Always been curious about the area” and “Destination for personal journey/accomplishment” among their top reasons for visiting.
Recent canal visitors tend to be older, travel in smaller parties, and have higher income households compared with prospective visitors. Most are savvy travelers who are three times more likely to travel internationally.
Lack of awareness and knowledge are among the greatest barriers to visiting.

The research was funded by a grant from Market NY through I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism, as a part of the State’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

The full study is available at: https://eriecanalway.org/our-work/promote-tourism The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York, encompassing the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities. Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission and the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund work in partnership to preserve the region’s extraordinary heritage, to promote the Corridor as a world class tourism destination, and to foster vibrant communities connected by the waterway. www.eriecanalway.org

Indiana Jones and Fort Plank: The Cleaner Side of Archaeology

Posted on September 20, 2017

Indiana Jones and Fort Plank: The Cleaner Side of Archaeology

Join Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site on Tuesday, September 26^th as researcher Ken D. Johnson delivers his presentation, “Indiana Jones and Fort Plank: The Cleaner Side of Archaeology.”

The program takes the audience along with Ken on a search for the fortress in which his ancestors served during the American Revolution. From this fort, one of them was taken prisoner on August 2, 1780, and their father and sister were killed. His program also presents to the audience the first step in locating a site for a possible historical dig.

Johnson has served as the Fort Plank Historian since 1984 and is the author of “The Bloodied Mohawk: The Revolutionary War in the Words of Fort Plank’s Defenders and Other Mohawk Valley Partisans”. He also operates a free web-site that contains biographical and historical data on the Colonial Period in the Mohawk Valley of New York.

This free program will be held in the Enders House adjacent to the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site Visitor Center on Schoharie Street in Fort Hunter, New York. There will be a brief Friends of Schoharie Crossing meeting prior to the presentation and there will be refreshments available.

For more information about these events and more, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516; email: SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 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.

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Mohawk River Moveable Dams

Posted on August 18, 2017

Mohawk River Moveable Dams

On Tuesday, August 22, The New York State Canal Corporation will be presenting a talk on the Mohawk River Moveable Dams. The talk, which begins at 6:30pm, is sponsored by the Friends of Schoharie Crossing. It will be held at the Enders House, close to the Schoharie Crossing Visitor Center in Fort Hunter, NY. Refreshments will be served following the event. The program is free, and all are welcome.

The presentation will showcase the eight movable dams between Schenectady and Fort Plain which regulate water flow on the Mohawk River for navigation of the Canal as well as water control. Dam gates are lowered into the river to form navigable pools during the summer but are pulled out of the water in the winter to clear the way for ice and debris filled flood waters. This engineering marvel has been a focus of attention since they were built in the early 20^th century. The talk will give some of the history and engineering information about this remarkable innovation to the waterway.

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Tag: Erie Canal