Area recipients of Erie Canalway grants received “big checks” at a press event at the Rochester Museum and Science Center on January 30. They are (l to r) Jim Farr, Erie Canalway Commissioner; Susan Rudnicky, Library Director, Hoag Library, Albion; Kate Bennett, President, Rochester Museum and Science Center; Beth Sciumeca, Erie Canalway Executive Director; Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, US Representative; Joyce Lobene, Mayor, Village of Spencerport; Tom Grasso, Erie Canalway Commissioner.Congresswoman Louise Slaughter joined representatives from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to announce $45,800 in grants to assist organizations with telling the story of New York’s legendary canals through education, preservation, and tourism projects.
Nine organizations from Albany to Buffalo received funding, including three in Western New York: Hoag Library, Albion; Rochester Museum & Science Center; and the Village of Spencerport.
“These grants will do more than remind us where we’ve been – they will show us where we have the potential to go,” said Congressman Slaughter. “The Erie Canal reminds us that when we come together to invest in modern infrastructure projects, we all reap the rewards in the end, and we should never lose sight of this as we address the economic challenges of future generations.” Western New York recipients accepted big checks for their grant awards at a press conference at the Rochester Museum & Science Center on January 30.
“Distributing grants is critical to helping organizations develop new programs and advance their missions, especially in tight economic times,” said Judy Schmidt Dean, ECNHC Commission Chair. “We are pleased to be able to fund these worthy projects in 2013.”
Grants to Western New York organizations:
•Hoag Library in Albion received $7,000 to create an exhibit and related programming about the history of the Erie Canal in Albion.
“This grant will enable the Hoag Library, in partnership with the Cobblestone Society Museum, to highlight the Erie Canal heritage of Orleans County,” said Library Director Susan Rudnicky. “The interpretive display and programs we develop will prove valuable to residents and visitors and will help increase awareness of the canal and the National Heritage Corridor.”
•The Rochester Museum & Science Center received $6,250 to upgrade its current Erie Canal lock model exhibit, including upgrades to lock mechanisms, electronics and surrounding space.
“The canal exhibit is a cornerstone experience for the Rochester Museum & Science Center, and we are grateful to the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund for supporting our construction of the next generation interactive canal lock exhibit,” said Calvin Uzelmeier, RMSC Director of Education. “It will include multiple improvements to the visitor experience, further engaging audiences and developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Erie Canal’s impact on our region.”
•The Village of Spencerport received $2,500 to create a walking tour and produce a guide to introduce residents and visitors to the history of the village.
“Receiving this grant from the Eric Canalway National Heritage Corridor gives Spencerport the opportunity to share our rich history as a farming community and busy shipping port on the Erie Canal for our produce” said Mayor Joyce Lobene.
