We are presenting the following free public programs in association with Water/Ways. Unless otherwise specified, all programs will take place in the Museum’s second-floor Weighlock Gallery.
During July, the Baldwinsville Public Library is partnering with the Erie Canal Museum and Water/Ways institutions to host an exhibit of historic photographs of Syracuse and surrounding areas on the Enlarged Erie Canal, which existed in the mid-1800s. The images are all from the Museum’s collection, and will be on display at the library from June 29-July 31. The Baldwinsville Public Library is located at 33 East Genesee Street, Baldwinsville, New York. It is open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. The library is closed on Sundays during July and August. Free and open to the public.
The Erie Canal Museum is open until 8 p.m. for a special Water/Ways reception, with refreshments, remarks, and the opportunity to view and learn more about this amazing exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution. The Sassy Taco Food Truck will be parked outside, offering a variety of scrumptious dinner fare. Free and open to the public.
Join staff of the Erie Canal Museum on this recreational bike ride along the route of the Erie Canal in Syracuse, New York. Learn about the 19th century Canal in downtown Syracuse, and explore some of the city’s historic and contemporary Canal systems, including the Onondaga Creekwalk, the Inner Harbor, and Onondaga Lake. Meet at the Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse. Helmets are required. Free and open to the public.
Join the crew of the Nathan Roberts as they work together to solve the clues that will help their mule escape from mule rustlers on the Erie Canal. The Nathan Roberts canal boat has been tied up in Syracuse waiting its turn at the weigh lock. During the night, the mule towing the boat was unhitched and led away. Families and other small groups can learn about the Erie Canal and other local waterways as they solve the puzzles, unlock the BreakOut Box and free the mule. Limited to 25 participants; pre-registration required. Free and open to the public.
How did Buffalo earn its spot as the western terminus of the Erie Canal? And how did it grow into the Empire State’s second largest city? Learn the answers to these and other questions about this major New York city during our third curator talk of 2019. Ashley Maready will unpack the history of Buffalo, sharing research findings as well as images and archival documents from our collection. Free and open to the public.
These Water/Ways programs are presented by members of Haudenosaunee tribes and coordinated by our friends at New York Folklore. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Adrian John of the Seneca Nation Hawk Clan will demonstrate making a traditional Haudenosaunee water drum, going through the step-by-step process of creation. John is a resident of the Allegheny Indian Territory, and an educator and artist who works particularly as a traditional stone and wood carver.
From 2 p.m.-3 p.m., we will host Haudenosaunee Song and Social Dance by Chris Thomas and his Smoke Dancers. Thomas is a member of the Onondaga Nation Beaver Clan, and learned social dances at the Longhouse of the Onondaga Nation. An expert dancer who has won several Smoke Dance competitions, Thomas is also an educator who encourages participation in Haudenosaunee social dances. Free and open to the public.
This program by folklorist Nada Odeh features performance, food, and cultural presentations about the importance of water in the Middle East. The evening will start with a presentation by Odeh about the role that water plays in Middle Eastern arts, and will be followed by a musical performance on the Oud by Ahmad Khalaf, who came to Syracuse three years ago. Ahmad resettled in Syracuse after a long journey from his home in Homs, Syria to Jordan. Samples of Middle Eastern food made by Nihad will be served. Nihad arrived in Syracuse from Syria three years ago, and Syracuse became home to her and her family. Attendees will learn about travel, homesickness, and what it means to resettle and find a new home. Free and open to the public.
During this special program, Donald Meixner performs songs that traveled the Erie Canal and points west with the diggers and other workers who immigrated from many different countries. He’ll talk about the origins of some of these songs, and discuss how they were transformed through time. Our presenter is well-known throughout Central New York as the guitarist and five-string banjo player for The Flyin’ Column. For more than 45 years The Flyin’ Column has performed the folk music of Ireland, Scotland, and North America at festivals, weddings, and in some of the finest saloons in New York State, Pennsylvania, and Canada. Bring your singing voice to this Water/Ways program, which is free and open to the public.
Programming and events are subject to change. For more information please visit eriecanalmuseum.org for more information.