The Schuyler County Historical Society continues its Talkin’ History! series with a focus on the Erie Canal’s bicentennial celebration. The upcoming talk, featuring County Historian Gary Emerson, will delve into the history of “Canal Boats on the Finger Lakes.” Scheduled for March 10 at 2:00 p.m., Emerson will explore the significant role of canal boats in the local economy and their contribution to national unity.
Emerson, who retired from teaching before becoming the Schuyler County Historian in 2018, plans to use a variety of visual aids including pictures, maps, and stories. His presentation will cover the different canal boat types, the lifestyle of those living on the boats, and their navigational routes through the region. The talk promises to shed light on the once bustling boatyards of the area that produced these vital vessels for statewide use.
The event, which is free to the public, will be hosted at the Silver Spoon Cafe within the Schuyler County Human Services Complex in Montour Falls. For those interested in learning more about the rich canal history of the Finger Lakes, further information can be obtained by contacting the Brick Tavern Museum at (607) 535-9741.
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