Through the Mire: Environmental History of the Erie Canal

Environmental challenges to Erie Canal construction are topic of July 16 Quarantine Coffee Hour

Join the Erie Canal Museum on Facebook Live at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 16 for our weekly Quarantine Coffee Hour. The program is free and open to the public.

David Brooks,  Education Director at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter, New York, will discuss the environmental challenges that faced the engineers and workers who began to dig the Erie Canal more than 200 years ago. Humans had been interacting with the region’s geology and environment for thousands of years. However, the vastness of the canal project and the environment it would cut through proved to be its biggest challenges.

Prepare for this program by reading Brooks’ feature article on the topic. The story will be available on the Newsroom page of our website Monday, July 13.

Share questions beforehand by commenting on the Quarantine Coffee Hour Facebook event, or by emailing derrick@eriecanalmuseum.org. Your questions will help make the program even more informative. And please be sure to ask questions during the discussion!

We look forward to seeing you for Quarantine Coffee Hour, live on our Facebook page at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 16!

In response to the COVID-19 crisis and to protect visitors, volunteers, and staff, the Museum is closed to the public until further notice. This online event is a great way to learn Canal history as we all do our part to stay safe and healthy. Until we open our doors, we are working diligently to serve you through these types of programs. We greatly appreciate your support as we face financial uncertainty. If you’d like to make a donation to the Museum, please click here.

The Erie Canal Museum is partially supported by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.