The Canal Society of New York is always grateful for the generous support of our community. Today, we’re excited to invite you to participate in a fun and meaningful new project: photo-documenting life and events along the Canal during this important bicentennial year.
In 2024, we launched an online publication called Dispatches from Samuel Center. This blog helps us reach new audiences and share the rich history of the Erie Canal. Many of our posts feature historic photos from the Canal Society’s archives, capturing life and work along the canal over the past two centuries.
These photos not only preserve history — they spark conversation. For example, the post “Merchant and Barges” generated thoughtful discussion in the comments. Other posts, like “Lois McClure’s Long Last Voyage”, have drawn hundreds of readers. More examples include:
Now, as we celebrate 200 years since the opening of the Erie Canal, we’re turning to our supporters to help us capture this historic moment.
We’re looking for cell phone photos of special events and everyday moments along the Canal during the summer and fall of 2025. You know your local canal community best — whether it’s a scenic stretch of towpath or a festive gathering — and your perspective matters.
Two upcoming canal-wide events are perfect opportunities to start:
Selected photos may be featured on:
You’ll always be credited for your contribution.
Please send your photos to: canalsocietyofnysphotos@gmail.com
Whether you capture a parade of cyclists, a quiet canal morning, or a moment of celebration — your images will help preserve the story of the Erie Canal for future generations. Imagine someone looking at your photo in 2125, reflecting on the canal’s 200th anniversary.
We hope you’ll join us in this collaborative effort to document history in real time. Let’s make the bicentennial unforgettable — together.
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(315) 776-4112
P.O. Box 303, Port Byron, New York, 13140
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