Mohawk Valley Erie Canal Symposium
Organizer
More Information:
Arkell Museum
Phone
518-673-2314Website
http://www.arkellmuseum.org/Mohawk Valley Erie Canal Symposium
During this symposium there will be presentations by Old Fort Johnson, the City Historian for Schenectady, Montgomery County Department of History and Archives, as well as the Arkell Museum and Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site. Each will feature an aspect of canal history, from a transportation way to strange characters and art that it inspired.
Scott Haefner from Old Fort Johnson will discuss “Transportation in the Mohawk Valley” to set the stage for the evolving history of the canal and economic infrastructure. Chris Leonard, City Historian for Schenectady will offer his presentation, “Ne’er-do-wells of the Erie Canal in Schenectady” exploring some of the rough and tumble characters along the artificial river. Montgomery County Historian and Records Management Officer, Kelly Farquhar will discuss canal records and ways to research history in the Mohawk Valley. She’ll explore some fascinating first-person accounts and audio recordings from interviews conducted over sixty years ago with old time canallers.
Rounding out the program will be Mary Alexander of the Arkell Museum at Canajoharie, showcasing and highlighting works of amazing Erie Canal art from their collection. David Brooks from Schoharie Crossing will add insights as well as act as the emcee for this mini-symposium.
This program is free and open to the public. If you’d like to explore the Arkell exhibits, they will be open from 10:00am to 5:00pm that day. Admission for the exhibits is $9.00 for adults, $6.50 for seniors.