OSWEGO, NY – The H. Lee White Marine Museum and the Oswego Maritime Foundation invite the community to join us for a fun filled day on Aug. 1 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and to help celebrate the New York State Barge Canal System.
The day will be filled with activities centered around Oswego’s very own piece of Canal history, the museum’s newly renovated 1925 NYS Canal Boat No. 8.
As the Hannibal Center Bluebirds, a local 4-H group, mill about in period costume, you can listen to stories and tales of lore along the Canal, watch wool spinning demonstrations, try your hand at washing clothes the “old fashion way,†indulge in homemade apple pie, enjoy grilled hot dogs and soda or taste tempting samples of McCadam New York State cheese.
Watch and participate in a butter making demonstration.
In addition, participate in a canal song sing-along, try your hand at making paper jewelry and children will be able to decorate their own T-shirt.
An inflatable provided by Airhop Rentals will be available for kids to bounce around.
A new addition is local performer Magical John will be performing vintage magic tricks from the 1800- 1900s beginning at 1 p.m.
AmeriCorps member Samantha Fiorini is the coordinator of the event.
“We have made sure that we have activities throughout the day that children can enjoy with their families and experience life on the canal. We are greatful to our supporters who have been so generous,” she said.
In addition, visitors will be able to enjoy, for a nominal fee, canal cruises provided by State Council on Waterways.
The 30- to 40-minute tours will run on the hour between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“This is our first canal celebration and we are thrilled to have the Erie Canal Boat as part of this event. Captain Tom Ryan and Scow make it possible for the public to have access to our beautiful waterways,” said Mercedes Niess, museum director.
Other activities offered in the Historic Maritime District are displays by the Oswego Maritime Foundation highlighting youth sailing and fishing, diving and more.
Bring the whole family to enjoy and appreciate New York State’s rich Canal history.
For more information, visit www.hleewhitemarinemuseum.com or call 342-0480.
This event is made possible in part by a grant from Stewart Shops Matching Gift Program, funds from New York State Council on the Arts Decentralization Grant Program, a state agency and the Cultural Resource Council, a Regional Arts Council and a grant through the Oswego City County Youth Bureau and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
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Read a new history of the Erie Canal: “Bond of Union: Building the Erie Canal and the American Empire” (DaCapo, 2009): http://www.amazon.com/Bond-Union-Building-American-Empire/dp/0306818272 . “Koeppel’s history is the most complete and well-researched to dateâ€Â- Kirkus Reviews