Utter to speak on Erie Canal exhibit at State Museum

— From “America Illustrated” edited by J. David Williams (Boston: DeWolfe, Fisk & Co., 1883)

“Grain-Boat on the Erie Canal” illustrates one of the many kinds of working boats that used the Erie Canal in the 19th Century. Brad Utter, the senior historian and curator of the State Museum, will highlight some of the artifacts and stories that are featured in the museum’s exhibit on the Erie Canal.

To the Editor:

The Erie Canal directed the course of New York and American history. When it opened in 1825, the biggest American engineering project of the century unlocked the western interior for trade and settlement. One of the largest public-works projects in American history, the Erie Canal inspired a nationwide transportation revolution.

In honor of the bicentennial of the Erie Canal’s construction, New York State’s Office of Cultural Education presents the story of the Erie Canal with the first phase of  “Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal” at the New York State Museum.

Brad Utter, the senior historian and curator of the museum, will highlight some of the artifacts and stories that are featured in this new exhibit and give an overview of Phase 2 of the exhibit, which is slated to open in September.

Prior to the June 6 program, the Clarksville Historical Society will hold its short annual meeting, which will begin at 7 p.m., with the program following immediately.

Our programs are open to the public and we invite you to join us for a most enjoyable evening.  Refreshments will be served at the close of the program. We meet at the Clarksville Community Church, which is located at 1997 Delaware Turnpike in Clarksville. For more information call 518-768-2870.

Marilyn Miles

Program Chairwoman

Clarksville Historical Society

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