Canal Society Events

Saturday, June 14, at 3 PM

38 Rochester Street

Port Byron, NY

Join the Canal Society of New York State for Two Canal Guys – An Afternoon of Music and Memories of the Erie Canal, the kickoff to the Carl and Cecelia Bobbett Annual Memorial Concert Series. This free event, celebrating the Erie Canal Bicentennial, features music and storytelling by canal icons George Ward and retired Tug Urger Captain Steve Wunder. Come to the Samuel Center for Canal History in Port Byron on Saturday, June 14 at 3 PM for an unforgettable afternoon honoring New York’s canal heritage.  

Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 1 PM to 4 PM at the Samuel Center for Canal History in Port Byron, NY

The Canal Society of New York State will launch the Erie Canal's 2025 Bicentennial celebration with a special preview of Frank Forte’s photography exhibit, showcasing communities, structures, boats, and activities along New York’s canal system. Forte, an award-winning photographer from Sackets Harbor, NY, will introduce the exhibit and discuss its significance during this milestone year. His work, supported by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, documents New York's entire canal system. 

  Amsterdam, NY April 4-6 

 The Canal Society of New York State invites you to an exclusive weekend exploring the Erie Canal from Amsterdam to Rocky Rift, a region rich in canal history and unique structures. This section features an incredible collection of historic sites—many of which are on private property, and we have been granted special access for this weekend tour!

Click here for more information and to register.

Every two years we hold a formal conference for canal advocates across New York State.

The 2022 New York State Canal Conference was held October 2-4 in Rochester