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

Storyteller Kate Dudding to Perform at Schoharie Crossing

Posted on July 28, 2021

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (opens in a new tab) will host local storyteller, Kate Dudding on Sunday, August 1^st at 6:00pm to 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. She is an award-winning author and storyteller who won the Story Slam at the 2010 National Storytelling Conference in Los Angeles and specializes in telling true stories about people who have made a difference. She has told stories at many venues in the Northeastern USA, including The New-York Historical Society (New York City, NY), The Clearwater Festival (Croton-on-Hudson, NY), First Night Saratoga (Saratoga Springs, NY), and The Norman Rockwell Museum (Stockbridge, MA).

Schoharie Crossing is excited to bring back 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.

The lineup for the rest of the series is: August 8^th, Joe Doolittle; August 15^th, Margaret French. August 22^nd, Jeannine Laverty. August 29^th, 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. 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 (opens in a new tab) .

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

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER–WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE!! Amsterdam’s Independence Day Fest Sponsored by The Sentinel of Amsterdam

Posted on June 30, 2021

The City of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Department presents Independence Day Fest Sponsored by The Sentinel of Amsterdam WILL RESCHEDULE due to inclement weather. It is will bigger and better!

GRAND OPENING OF VILLAGE WATERFRONT & RECREATIONAL PARK SLATED FOR AFTER THE 4TH CELEBRATION

Posted on June 29, 2021

The Village of Fonda Recreational & Waterfront Park will celebrate the new facilities and park renovations together with the After the 4th Celebration on July 9.

“We are proud of this project,” Village Mayor William Peeler said. “Our goal is to attract folks to utilize the natural resources by enjoying the river and eventually campgrounds. We want to attract new visitors and make Fonda a destination rather than a community you pass through. Overall, we want this Park to be self-sustaining and provides years of entertainment for not only Montgomery County residents but tourists visiting our area,” Peeler said.

The Park opening celebration commences with a parade that will begin at 6 p.m. It will go from Wemple Avenue to the Park Street Memorial Wall. At approximately 6:30 p.m., Village of Fonda officials will dedicate the Memorial Wall to military, law enforcement, fire & EMS. Events, including food, a concert, and fireworks, will go until 11 p.m.

View the full schedule of events for Friday and Saturday at https://fondapark.org/events/after-the-4th-celebration/.

Park revitalization has been made possible through grants from the New York State Canal Corporation, the New York State Department of State, the Montgomery County Executive through the Local Tourism Grant Program, and private donations. Some work completed is a public restroom, parking attendant booth, lighting, memorial wall, fountain, and an entertainment pavilion, which will serve as a stage for live music, movies, and other performances.

Peeler commended village crews who have completed a majority of the construction work at the site.
“Our village workers have done a fantastic job at this site,” Peeler said. “I would also like to thank the Town of Mohawk and Montgomery County Highway Departments for their assistance at the park, the Town of Mohawk Fire Department who donated 300 chickens for the After the 4th Celebration,” and the many not-for-profit organizations that support our community.

Peeler said in several months, the Village will install a visitor center that includes a touch screen digital display so visitors can locate different services or activities available within the county. They will also offer kayak rentals with the completion of the boat launch, an antique fire engine display, and many other amenities.

For future Park, updates visit https://fondapark.org/park-revitalization/.
“We hope the local communities will come out and enjoy our After the 4th Celebration and participate in the grand opening of our new facility,” Peeler said. “We anticipate our park revitalization will have a tremendous impact on the overall well-being and growth of our village for years to come.”

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.

City of Amsterdam Sunset Festivals Kick off the Season on Saturday, June 19th!

Posted on June 18, 2021

The City of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Department presents Sunset Festivals Sponsored by Lanzi Family Restaurants beginning on Saturday, June 19^thwith J. Marco Johnson performing at 6pm in Riverlink Park.

The evening will begin with Jen Marshall and Paul Cirillo finishing their 50 mile run from Mohawk, NY to Riverlink Park in Amsterdam, NY via the Erie Canal Bike Path. The duo is running to raise funds and awareness for child hunger in our community. The run is slated to finish at about 6pm in Riverlink Park. Funds raised from the run will benefit Weekend Backpack Program Fundraiser.

The City then welcomes back live music back to Riverlink Park with J. Marco Johnson performing. As always, enjoy great food and drink specials at Astoria Landing at Riverlink Park Marina. Support a great cause, enjoy great food all while listening to some great music on our beautiful waterfront.

Lunchbox Lesson: Preservation League of New York

Posted on June 16, 2021

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is excited to host the next installment of the Summer 2021 Virtual “Lunchbox Lesson” series. Join us on Wednesday, June 23rd at 12 noon for a presentation by Erin Tobin of the Preservation League of New York.

Tobin will discuss the work that the Preservation League does, provide updates on special projects, and share information on how communities and individuals can seek tax credits on their historic structures. She serves as the Preservation League’s Vice President for Policy and Preservation and has been with the League since 2007. Tobin directs all aspects of the League’s Public Policy and Technical Services Programs. Her work includes collaborative pursuit to a statewide policy agenda that advances historic preservation in New York State at the federal, state, and local levels, and builds and maintains a statewide coalition to assist the League in achieving its goals. She also oversees the League’s Technical Services and preservation grants programs, including oversight of the Seven to Save Endangered Properties Program and all preservation workshops and community outreach.

This program is free and offered via Webex. The link is available on our Facebook page, or by contacting Schoharie Crossing. If you are unable to attend the 12pm program, it is slated to be recorded for later online release.

Schoharie Crossing will offer this and other free online lunch time programs during the next several months covering a range of interesting history topics. Links for the programs can be found on Schoharie Crossings NYS Parks webpage, on their Facebook, or by contacting the site.

For information about this program series, 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

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