1862 canal schooner to tour the Erie Canal

The 88 foot canal schooner Lois McClure, will embark on an unprecedented "Grand Canal Journey" this summer, traveling 1,000 miles in 100 days, as she sails from her home port to Lake Champlain to visit 25 historic ports-of-call along the historic and scenic Erie Canal and the New York State Canal System. The McClure is a full scale working replica of an 1862 canal schooner - a unique example of working vessels that carried goods throughout northeastern waterways during the 19th century.

Canal side communities will celebrate their distinct contribution to the canal culture by creating their own events to embrace the arrival of the Lois McClure at their ports. Tours of the boat and interpretive presentations, wayside exhibits and educational materials will be provided free to the public at each stop.

The Lois McClure will begin its grand tour in Vermont and travel to Albany, the Finger Lakes region and then to Buffalo and back. Locally, the "Grand Canal Voyage" stops will be: July 21 and 22 in Medina; August 4 and 5 in Brockport and August 7and 8 in Rochester.

"Selecting the ports was a challenge, as we wanted the schooner to hit every port within the Corridor. But ultimately, ports-of-call were based on accessibility, convenience of its location for anyone interested in visiting the vessel, safety, and the ability of ports to accommodate the prized vessel and its companion boat the tug 'Churchill,' " said Lori Duell, project manager.

For information on the Lois McClure "Grand Canal Journey" or sponsorship opportunities, contact Lori Duell, (518) 664-9821 ext. 219 or e-mail lori_duell@partner.nps.gov. Visit http://www.lcmm.org/ for voyage schedule.

February 4, 2007