Urger named Best Vintage Tug; area stops set for this fall

In September 2001, the Urger was placed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. This photo is from a previous stop in the area. File photo.

Urger named Best Vintage Tug; area stops set for this fall
Educational program for New York’s fourth graders to begin

The Canal Corporation’s flagship vessel - the historic Tug Urger - was awarded the Best Vintage Tug Cup at the Fifteenth Annual Tug Boat Race Competition held September 2 in New York City. The vintage vessel now heads west to begin the fall educational program on Thursday, September 20 in Lockport.

“The historic Tug Urger is a wonderful example of the rich maritime history of New York State and a great ambassador for education along the New York State Canal System,” Carmella Mantello, Canal Corporation director said. “The Canal Corporation is thrilled that the Urger has been recognized with this distinguished award for the seventh consecutive year. I encourage educators to take advantage of this free and hands on program during the fall months.”

Before wrapping up the fall stops in Baldwinsville on Wednesday, October 17, the Urger will make stops in Medina, Spencerport, Fairport, Lyons and Seneca Falls. The schedule is as follows and is subject to change depending on conditions: September 20-21, Lockport; September 25-26, Medina; September 28-October 2, Spencerport; October 4-5, Fairport; October 9, Lyons; October 11-12, Seneca Falls; October 16-17, Baldwinsville.

Celebrating more than 100 years of service, the Tug Urger was christened the Henry J. Dornbos in Michigan on June 13, 1901. Since the creation of the New York State Canal Corporation in 1992, the Tug Urger has served as the official ambassador for the New York State Canal System.

The Urger now serves as the focal point of a program to educate school children and adults about the importance of New York's historic Canal System and the role that inland waterways have played historically, and continue to play, in the lives of people who live along them.

In the spring and fall, the Urger visits communities along the Canal System where students in fourth-grade classes at local schools take field trips to the Tug and participate in shoreside "hands-on" educational sessions. There they learn about the history of the canals and the role construction of the Erie Canal played in making New York the "Empire State.”

For information on how to take advantage of this educational program or to schedule a visit call 518-436-2799 or visit the Canal Corporation’s Website at www.nys-canals.gov and click on "Canal Culture."