FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
\u00a0October 16, 2025<\/p>\n
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Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief to Dock at Troy Marina October 17\u201318 as Part of Bicentennial Voyage<\/p>\n
Commemorating 200 Years of the Erie Canal\u2019s Historic Opening<\/p>\n
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(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\u2019s 1825 inaugural journey that celebrated the opening of the Erie Canal – a pivotal moment in New York\u2019s history that connected communities across the state and transformed commerce and culture for generations.<\/p>\n
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\u201cAs the former director of the New York State Canal System, this is a truly special moment for our community to celebrate Troy\u2019s place in New York\u2019s canal history,\u201d said Mayor Carmella R. Mantello. \u201cThe Seneca Chief\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The Seneca Chief\u2019s Troy stop will take place at two riverfront locations:<\/p>\n
Friday, October 17th \u2013 William D. Chamberlain Riverfront Park (255 Front St, Troy, NY)Saturday, October 18th \u2013 Ryan\u2019s Wake (403 River St #1, Troy, NY)<\/p>\n
Troy Itinerary Highlights<\/p>\n
Friday, October 17th<\/p>\n
11:00 AM \u2013 Arrival at Troy11:30 AM \u2013 Welcome Ceremony12:00 PM \u2013 6:00 PM \u2013 Public Open Hours (Explore the Seneca Chief and educational exhibits)<\/p>\n
Saturday, October 18th<\/p>\n
10:00 AM \u2013 3:00 PM \u2013 Public Open Hours3:45 PM \u2013 Departure for USS Slater<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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Beyond craftsmanship, the project aims to foster awareness and dialogue about the Erie Canal\u2019s lasting impact on people and places across New York State and the nation. Drawing inspiration from the boat\u2019s name, Seneca Chief, the Buffalo Maritime Center is committed to broadening the historical narrative – highlighting not only the canal\u2019s 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\u2019s enduring legacy.<\/p>\n
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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\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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