On Saturday, May 25, the community is invited to attend an inauguration event, recognizing the completion of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief – the first boat to open the Erie Canal nearly 200 years ago. The event will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Canalside – 44 Prime Street Buffalo, NY, with an afterparty to follow, at Big Ditch Brewing Company (55 E Huron Street, from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM).
This project marks just the beginning of Buffalo’s efforts to expand the Erie Canal narrative and foster connections across our New York State community as we approach the Bicentennial celebration in 2025.
“This remarkable boatbuilding endeavor took place inside the Longshed from 2020 to 2024 and involved hundreds of dedicated volunteers and students. From crafting the vessel with their own hands to delving into its complex history, each participant played a vital role in bringing the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief to life.” – Buffalo Maritime Center
This free, family-friendly public event sponsored by Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the NYS Canal Corporation will feature:
The official inauguration of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief
Music by the Greater Buffalo Firefighters Pipe and Drum Band
Representatives from local & state officials + BMC (subject to change)
Joe Stahlman, Indigenous Scholar
John Montague, President Emeritus & Founder, Buffalo Maritime Center
David Rogers, Former CEO of Life Storage & BMC Treasurer
Ras Jomo Akono, Council Representative, Carpenters Local 276, Juneteenth Festival Vice President, and WUFO Radio Host & Producer
Bonnie Kane Lockwood, Western New York Director, Representing Governor Kathy Hochul
Patrick Stenshorn, Education Program Manager, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Mark Wendel, President of Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation
Brian Stratton, Director of the NYS Canal Corporation
Greg Dudley, Lead Boatbuilder, Buffalo Maritime Center
Roger Allen, Master Boatbuilder, Buffalo Maritime Center
Register for these two events, by clicking here. Your reservation for the After Party will admit 1 guest to the Big Ditch private event space (upstairs) – there will be complimentary light fare and cash bar.
You can check out the Inauguration at Canalside on the Facebook event page.
You can check out the After Party, sponsored by Big Ditch, on the Facebook event page.
This project was made possible by: NYS Canal Corporation, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and the David & Joan Rogers Family Foundation.
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