This year the Erie Canal is 201 years old. The Buffalo Maritime Center built a replica boat that traveled across the state last year to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the canal. Now, the Seneca Chief, is coming back to Buffalo. Last week the boat made a stop in Syracuse.

“It’s one thing to learn about it in a book. It’s another thing to get out and see it and touch it and feel it,” said Ben Walsh, director of the New York State Canal Corp.

Tying knots and testing crew beds are some of the hands-on experiences fourth graders got as the Seneca Chief visited Syracuse. They learned what life was like working on the Erie Canal in the early 1800s.

“It was really entertaining because, we learned how you guys built the boat,” said Isaac Christopher Linney, a fourth grader.

What You Need To Know

The Seneca Chief is finishing its journey across the state after spending the winter in NYC

Last year the boat’s voyage was marking the 200th anniversary of the canal

As it stopped in many communities across New York on the way back to Buffalo, where the vessel was built, there were educational opportunities for children

“They had to sleep in tight spaces because there was a lot of people,” said Benjamin Bikyeombe, a fourth grader.

Syracuse was just one of many stops the replica boat made as it crossed the state. Last year, their crew traveled the canal from Buffalo to New York City, for the canal’s 200th birthday. 

“The communities throughout the system like Syracuse would not be what they are today without the history of the canal. And so, I think it’s important for everyone to have an understanding of where they came from, how their communities came to be,” said Walsh.

Water was gathered at each stop on the way back from New York City, and will be used to water a white pine tree planted in Buffalo.

“It’s a learning opportunity. It’s a moment in time that we can use to teach people why they are the way they are and how we can use that information to move forward,” said Chelsea Moore, education director at the Buffalo Maritime Center.

White pine trees were planted across New York state last year on the way to New York City and represent peace and are a tribute to the Haudenosaunee, as the Buffalo Maritime Center explains, their land was taken when the Erie Canal was initially built.

“Really brings people back and gives them the historical context of really how special the canal system is,” said Walsh.

The Seneca Chief returns to Buffalo on Saturday and will be available for the public to visit.