HAL Presents: “The Meaning and Significance of the Erie Canal after 200 years”

Description

"The Meaning and Significance of the Erie Canal after 200 years", presented by Dr. John Montague of the Buffalo Maritime Center, is a follow-up to his May 2024 HAL program on the future plans of the just launched replica of DeWitt Clinton’s canal boat Seneca Chief - the boat that opened the Erie Canal in 1825.

Parallel to the researching, designing and building the Boat with community volunteers at Buffalo Canalside over the last four years, the Buffalo Maritime Center has also authored and produced a book entitled THE ERIE CANAL, Vol. 1, Perspectives at 200 published by Western New York Heritage Press which just appeared this summer. The authors of the book, including the speaker, have attempted to take a fresh look, and a broader look, at the meaning and the impact of the Canal. 

The Canal, while a triumph of Euro-American “progress,” had some darker sides which have rarely been considered, such as the displacement of the native populations, ecological and social disruptions, religious perspectives and other factors all of which make the Canal’s story a far richer and more interesting narrative than traditionally presented.

John will discuss the themes of the book and also give an update on the Seneca Chief’s summer sea trials and preparations for 2025. The second volume of this book will appear next year. Dr. Montague will have copies of the book available at the talk.

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Donations are gladly accepted to support the Lewiston Museum.