Canal experts, enthusiasts, and global leaders gather to discuss the future of waterways—and honor the Erie Canal’s bicentennial year.
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About
In 1825, the Erie Canal opened a new chapter for New York—and for America. Stretching 363 miles from Buffalo to Albany, the Canal transformed commerce, fueled westward expansion, and sparked innovation, becoming one of the greatest engineering achievements of its time.
Today, as we commemorate 200 years of the Erie Canal, we honor its complex legacy: a symbol of ingenuity, ambition, resilience—and the many communities, cultures, and landscapes it impacted along the centuries. Through our Bicentennial programming, we recommit to telling the full story of the Canal and its enduring impact on our lives today.
A Year of Celebration
Throughout 2025, communities across New York will come together to mark this milestone with events, experiences, and reflections. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment you won’t want to miss. Whether you live along its banks or are discovering its magic for the first time, we invite you to be part of the story.
If you are hosting an event on Canal property, you will need a permit
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Follow the journey of the replica Seneca Chief as it retraces the historic 1825 voyage from Buffalo to New York City, making stops at 28 canal communities along the way.
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Join volunteers across the state for local cleanups, beautification projects, and celebrations honoring the Canal’s role in connecting communities.
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Accessible and inclusive excursions designed to help everyone experience the waterways firsthand.
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From symphony performances to public art installations, experience the spirit of the Canal in creative new ways.
A Fuller Story: More Voices, Deeper Connections
The Erie Canal Bicentennial is not just a celebration—it’s a time for reflection. Through our More Voices initiative, we are working to share stories historically left untold: the Indigenous communities whose lands were forever changed, the African Americans who helped build and navigate the Canal, and the diverse immigrants who shaped New York’s identity along its banks.
We invite you to listen, learn, and honor the full history of the Canal as we move toward a more inclusive future.
Help Spread the Word!
Want to help mark the bicentennial in your community? We’ve made it easy with a collection of downloadable materials you can use to promote events, share the Canal’s story and invite others to get involved.
Bicentennial Posters
A special downloadable poster ready to print and display at community centers, libraries, businesses and events.
Promotional Toolkit
Includes sample social media posts, graphics, event logos and messaging guidelines to help you spread the word on your own channels