The Buffalo Maritime Center is proud to announce the launch of the “Erie Canal Boat Summer Series” - an exciting lineup of events celebrating the Erie Canal Bicentennial. Sponsored by Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and in partnership with the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, visitors are welcome to enjoy dockside demonstrations, hands-on activities, panel discussions, and more - FREE to the public and open to all. Stay tuned to this page for more information!
Thursday, June 12 | 6PM
Exploring History, Shipwrecks, and the Voyages of the Lois McClure with Captain Art Cohn
The Naval Park Hangar Building | 1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY 14202
From 2000 to 2018, maritime historian Captain Art Cohn served as Director of the Lois McClure Project, overseeing the travels of this replica canal schooner on a journey spanning over 10,000 miles and welcoming more than 300,000 visitors across 300 communities in the U.S. and Canada. On Thursday, June 12th at 6PM, Art will share stories from these voyages and explore how replica boats like the Lois McClure can uniquely connect people to maritime history.
As the Lois McClure prepares to join the Canal Society of New York at the Old Erie Canal Heritage Park in Port Byron, the Buffalo Maritime Center embarks on its own journey with the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief, continuing the tradition of bringing canal history to life for communities across New York State.
And on June 13th from 10AM - 12PM, step aboard the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief for a chance to meet Captain Art Cohn and hear firsthand stories from his voyages and insights into the role of replica vessels in preserving and sharing maritime history. This informal meet-and-greet offers a unique opportunity to connect with one of the leading voices in canal heritage.
Both of these events are free and open to the public!
Saturday, June 14 | 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Dockside Demonstrations | Birch Bark Building & Metal Forging
Commercial Slip | 44 Prime St. Buffalo, NY 14202
Visit us at the commercial slip and watch craftsman Jonathan Thorton demonstrate iron blacksmithing. Our Curator Eddie will also be repairing a birch bark canoe.
Upcoming demonstrations may include beadwork, wood steam-bending, rope-making, wood-carving, and more!
This all-ages event is non-ticketed and free to the public. Schedule is subject to change due to weather and other conditions. Please visit BuffaloMaritimeCenter.org for the most up-to-date information.