Saturday, May 25, 2024 | 11:00AM

Join us on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 11:00AM, as we celebrate the arrival of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief into the Commercial Slip—the terminus of the Erie Canal! Accompanied by a pipes and drums band, the greater Buffalo community is invited to gather on the waterfront to inaugurate this boat, marking the beginning of a new era and signaling the commencement of the Canalside summer season! 

This remarkable boatbuilding endeavor, which took place inside the Longshed from 2019 to 2024, involved hundreds of dedicated volunteers. From crafting the vessel with their own hands to delving into its rich history, each participant played a vital role in bringing the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief to life. This project marks just the beginning of our efforts to expand the Erie Canal narrative and foster connections across our New York State community as we approach the Bicentennial in 2025.

This is a FREE, family-friendly public event. Join us as we embark on this historic voyage together!

This project was made possible by the generous support of the NYS Canal Corporation, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and the Dave & Joan Rogers Family Foundation. This event is sponsored by Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the NYS Canal Corporation..