What is a mule, and why were these humble animals the backbone of the early Erie Canal? Curator Ashley Maready discusses mules, fact and fiction, history and science, at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, February 23 at the Erie Canal Museum. The program is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in Museum-designated spots in the lot on Erie Boulevard East under routes 81 and 690. We hope you will join us!