Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief to Dock at Troy Marina October 17–18 as Part of Bicentennial Voyage • Troy, NY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 October 16, 2025

Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief to Dock at Troy Marina October 17–18 as Part of Bicentennial Voyage

Commemorating 200 Years of the Erie Canal’s Historic Opening

(TROY, NY) – The City of Troy is proud to welcome the historic Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief to the Troy Marina this Friday, October 17th through Saturday, October 18th, as part of its Bicentennial Voyage from Buffalo to New York Harbor. The voyage commemorates Governor DeWitt Clinton’s 1825 inaugural journey that celebrated the opening of the Erie Canal – a pivotal moment in New York’s history that connected communities across the state and transformed commerce and culture for generations.

“As the former director of the New York State Canal System, this is a truly special moment for our community to celebrate Troy’s place in New York’s canal history,” said Mayor Carmella R. Mantello. “The Seneca Chief’s stop along our waterfront gives residents and visitors alike an opportunity to honor our past while looking ahead to the future of this great waterway and the communities it continues to connect.”

The Seneca Chief’s Troy stop will take place at two riverfront locations:

Friday, October 17th – William D. Chamberlain Riverfront Park (255 Front St, Troy, NY)Saturday, October 18th – Ryan’s Wake (403 River St #1, Troy, NY)

Troy Itinerary Highlights

Friday, October 17th

11:00 AM – Arrival at Troy11:30 AM – Welcome Ceremony12:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Public Open Hours (Explore the Seneca Chief and educational exhibits)

Saturday, October 18th

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Public Open Hours3:45 PM – Departure for USS Slater

Throughout the event, staff and volunteers from the Buffalo Maritime Center will host an interactive boat-making exhibit, where children and adults can learn the basics of woodworking and boat building. A key objective of the Erie Canal Boat Project is to collaborate with the community in teaching and preserving traditional boatbuilding skills. By engaging volunteers, students, and partner organizations, the project ensures these time-honored techniques are passed down to future generations.

Beyond craftsmanship, the project aims to foster awareness and dialogue about the Erie Canal’s lasting impact on people and places across New York State and the nation. Drawing inspiration from the boat’s name, Seneca Chief, the Buffalo Maritime Center is committed to broadening the historical narrative – highlighting not only the canal’s economic influence but also its cultural and environmental consequences. By telling a more comprehensive story, this initiative strengthens community connections and encourages meaningful reflection on the canal’s enduring legacy.

The event is free and open to the public, offering residents and visitors a rare opportunity to step aboard the Seneca Chief, meet the crew, and experience a living piece of New York’s history.

The Bicentennial Voyage is organized by the Buffalo Maritime Center in partnership with communities across New York State, celebrating 200 years of innovation, connection, and craftsmanship along the Erie Canal.

For more information about the Erie Canal Bicentennial Voyage, visit https://buffalomaritimecenter.org/erie-canal-boat-seneca-chief/

###