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Matton Shipyard Crew c. 1918, (Canal Society of NYS)
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Launch from Matton, 1962
(Canal Society of NYS)
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Save the Shipyard!
Visitors to Peebles Island State Park in Waterford/Cohoes drive by boarded up and fenced in waterfront that was once a hub of shipbuilding for nearly 70 years. From 1916 to 1983, Matton Shipyard workers built more than 340 tug boats, police boats, WWII submarine chasers, and other vessels. Erie Canalway NHC is spearheading efforts to save the shipyard and transform the site into a vibrant
hub for recreational, educational, and cultural activities.
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Matton Shipyard today
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We have secured a $238,000 grant through the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and have more than $36,000 in additional funds committed and pending. We are now trying to secure the remaining $44,000 necessary
to complete this important phase for the project and meet our matching fund requirements.
Learn more about the site and future plans, and join us in Saving the Shipyard!
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Erie Canal - Mohawk River Historic Water Trail Update
A recent three-day paddling trip on the Erie Canal - Mohawk River is helping our staff and consultants plan a
128-mile water trail from Rome to Waterford.
While paddlers can access the water and enjoy paddling the canal today, the trail is aimed at improving the experience. We'll address how to navigating locks, dams, and concrete channels and provide information on how to connect the dots between landside sites of interest and facilities for paddlers.
We invite you to share your thoughts and insights for developing the water trail. Stakeholder meetings in Canajoharie, Waterford, and Rome on July 7th and 8th are designed to introduce the public, local municipalities and regional interest groups to the water trail concept and to seek input on the trail development process.
If you are unable to attend, please share your comments with us via e-mail:
[email protected]
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Erie Blvd., Syracuse
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Commission Leadership News
After 14 years on the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission, Chair
Russ Andrews retired at the annual meeting in June. Russ was a founding commissioner who has served as Chair since 2013. Community involvement is a passionate hobby for Russ, who has been active in many civic organizations in his hometown of Syracuse. He enthusiastically contributed to Erie Canalway events and projects and his positive spirit will be missed.
Commissioners voted
Pieter Smeenk of Fairport to become the new chair. Pieter has served on the commission since 2002, most recently as treasurer and co-chair of nominations. Pieter is retired, after serving more than 30 years with county and local governments. He is active in many local community organizations, and served on the NYS Canal Recreationway Commission for 15 years.
Joining the Commission are
Doug Hamlin and
Fred Bonn. After a successful career as an executive with VersaTrans Solutions, including President and CEO, Doug is now retired and active in many community driven initiatives. For the past 4 years, he planned and participated in "Journey Along the Erie Canal," a 360-mile adaptive bicycle ride from Buffalo to Albany on the Canalway Trail highlighting the abilities within everyone.
Fred serves as Finger Lakes Region Director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP). He oversees 29 parks, historic sites and natural and recreational areas in a 10 county region of New York State. Prior to joining NYSOPRHP in 2013, Fred held a series of positions related to tourism and economic development, including as director of the Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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Arts on the Water
"Tide and Current Taxi" Makes its Way from Buffalo to NYC
This summer, internationally-acclaimed artist Marie Lorenz is embarking on an exciting journey along the Erie Canal, a continuation of her ongoing project Tide and Current Taxi. Lorenz launched on July 1 and is traveling from Buffalo to Albany along the Erie Canal and into Manhattan via the Hudson River. Lorenz is navigating using boats she designs and builds by hand, and is inviting passengers to accompany her for stretches of the journey.
The journey is commissioned by the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse, which is live streaming footage of the voyage in the Museum's Wampler Gallery. Lorenz's exploration will culminate with an innovative, multi-media exhibition and series of programs at the Everson this fall. Tide and Current Taxi partners include the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, High Line Art, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, the Erie Canal Museum, and Urban Video Project.
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Along the Towpath...News, Events, and Happenings
Cycling the Erie Canal Kicks off on Sunday, July 10!
650 riders will cycle 400 miles from Buffalo to Albany from July 10-17. Erie Canalway Executive Director Bob Radliff will be among them. Prepare to give these adventurous cyclists a warm welcome!
MORE >
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Kudos to Friends of Great Bear Springs Recreation Area
An eroded section of trail now showcases a beautiful set of stone steps near old Oswego Canal at the Great Bear Springs Recreation Area in Fulton. The project was completed thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Friends of Great Bear Springs, with funding support from the Oswego County Community Foundation and with supplemental funding and in kind services from the Town of Volney and Friends. The natural gray stone compliments the limestone of the lock. The park is 434 acres, comprised of 236 acres owned by the City of Fulton, the 78-acre Town of Volney Park, and 130 acres of privately owned land. It contains remains of the Oswego
Guard Lock #2 and towpath that were part of the original Oswego Canal. MORE
>
Happy 100th to Lock 17 in Little Falls!
Opened June 30, 1916, Lock 17 was once the highest single lift lock in the world at 40.5 feet. A heavy counterbalanced guillotine gate makes this lock unique. (Photo courtesy
Erie Canal Museum, Syracuse, NY). Find your way to the lock and other cool sites in the area using our
online maps.
Ranger Guided Kayak Tours at Womans Rights NHP
Take to the water in Seneca Falls with National Park Service rangers every Sunday (weather permitting) from 9am-1pm. Bring Your Own Kayak! Registration is required- call (315) 568-0024 or email
[email protected]
for more information!
"Photography and America's National Parks"
Love great photos? Celebrate the National Park Service Centennial at "Photography and America's National Parks" at the George Eastman Museum in Rochester. On view through Oct. 2, the exhibition explores the role of photography in the development of the agency and in shaping our perception and understanding of these magnificent landscapes. You might also like the publication associated with the exhibition: Picturing America's National Parks. MORE >
Register Now for the 2016 Global Mural Conference
September 21-23, 2016
Woodcliff Hotel, Fairport, NY
Preserving heritage through community art is the theme of this year's conference, which explores the role of mural arts in heritage preservation and community revitalization. Field trips will showcase many of the heritage murals created along the Erie Canal. The event also features a Mural Expo of mural artists painting simultaneously under one tent.
MORE >
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Find Your Adventure!
Events sponsored by Erie Canalway NHC and the NYS Canal Corporation
JULY 9 >> WEST MAIN STREET, LITTLE FALLS
Sample Central NYs best cheesemakers, gourmet food producers and related craft artisans, with live music & theater plus great local restaurants.
JULY 9-10 >> SCHOHARIE CROSSING STATE HISTORIC SITE, FORT HUNTER
Celebrate the history of the Erie Canal with music, demonstrations, history, wagon rides, food, kayak demonstrations, magic, games and much more.
JULY 16 >> MABEE FARM HISTORIC SITE, SCHENECTADY
Fun activities for the whole family include music, crafts, blacksmithing and cooking demonstrations, ice cream, and much more!
JULY 16-17 >> ERIE CANAL BOAT COMPANY, FAIRPORT
Explore adaptive paddling and cycling on the Erie Canal during the two-day extravaganza, complete with adaptive equipment workshops, social paddles, and vendors -- provided by trained staff and volunteers to connect people with disabilities and their family and friends with opportunities to experience kayaking and cycling!
JULY 24-30 >> NIAGARA FALLS TO SARATOGA SPRINGS
16th annual 7 day, 500-mile bike ride that starts on July 24 in Niagara Falls and ends on July 30 in Saratoga Springs.
AUGUST 6 >> RIVERLINK PARK, AMSTERDAM
1st Annual food, wine, and arts festival to celebrate our regional heritage and its rich culture, abundant resources, and magnificent natural beauty. Fun for all ages.
AUGUST 6 & 7 >> DEWITT TO ROME
Register now for this 36-mile supported recreational ride from DeWitt to Rome on the Old Erie Canal Towpath. An optional celebratory cruise awaits riders when they finish at Rome's Canalfest. Ride is mostly off-road with lots of places to stop and explore along the way. One and two day options available. Suited to riders of all ages and abilities.
August 14, 9am-4pm >> HUDSON CROSSING PARK, SCHUYLERVILLE
Register now for a one-day exploration of historic sites along the Hudson River/ Champlain Canal corridor. In honor of the National Park Service Centennial, this year's tour will begin at Hudson Crossing Park near Lock 5 just north of Schuylerville and proceed to Saratoga National Historical Park, with stops at selected significant historical landmarks. An afternoon boating option is available for the return trip to the starting point. The annual ride is presented by the Champlain Canalway Trail Working Group, in collaboration with Lakes to Locks Passage, Saratoga National Historical Park, Mohawk Maiden Cruises and Akiba Travel.
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