As New York State and the nation commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor finds itself at a pivotal moment. The positive impact made by Erie Canalway’s work is threatened due to an unexpected loss of federal funding for all National Heritage Areas.
If you have enjoyed our programs, benefited from our investments along the canal, or seen the impact of our work, consider making a contribution to support the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor through our nonprofit partner, the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc., which provides critical support for our staff and programs.
Your donation will ensure that you and millions of others can continue to:
•Enjoy high-quality publications like the annual Erie Canalway Calendar, Erie Canalway Map & Guide, and trip planning tools and itineraries that drive visitation to the canal and canal communities;
•Discover the incredible history and scenic beauty of the canal while achieving your personal fitness goals through the Canalway Challenge;
•Experience paddling on the NYS Canalway Water Trail and appreciate that the entire canal is stewarded by volunteers who maintain launches, greet boaters, and monitor for invasive species;
•Celebrate and enjoy recreation, arts, music, festivals, and canal heritage at events that benefit from our tourism support and promotion;
•Learn about the canal’s extraordinary impacts through interpretation, programming, and media;
•Protect the canal’s historic character and improve amenities, accessibility, and access through support and technical assistance to dozens of municipalities and nonprofit organizations each year;
•Educate and inspire the next generation of leaders and stewards through the Erie Canal Learning Hub, Junior Ranger program, and Ticket to Ride field trips, which bring 5,500 children – 80% from low-income households – to canal-related parks and historic sites each year;
•Impact economic and community vitality and elevate the value and significance of the Canalway
Corridor through partnerships, advocacy and collaboration at local, state, and federal levels.
If you are grateful for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the opportunities it provides for recreation and education; for its stunning beauty and unique culture, landscapes, and heritage; and especially grateful for the people who care for and ensure that the canals remain a source of vibrancy and economic strength for communities now and for the canal’s next century of service, make a donation at https://eriecanalway.app.neoncrm.com/forms/give-today.
Brad Packard, Board Chair,
Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc.
Judy McKinney Cherry, Chair,
Development/Fundraising Committee
Bob Radliff, Executive Director,
Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor
