Patrick Reynolds, the Museum Educator for the Rome Historical Society, tells us what to expect at the reenactment of the Erie Canal Ground Breaking Ceremony. 

Don't miss the special events for the Erie Canal Bicentennial with the Rome Historical Society.

The location of the original groundbreaking in 1817 is the current site of the Worthington Industries location. The reenactment will take place at Bellamy Harbor, July 22 at 12 noon with Honor America Days Bicentennial Canal Celebration. Staff and trustees will be in period clothing including top hats, they'll be shooting cannons, carrying a 15-star flag and reading historical speeches.

The reenactment kicks off a week-long celebration that features mucic, food trucks and more. While enjoying all the festivities don't forget to stop by the Rome Historical Society for the new canal exhibit. You'll see rare artifacts like an 1825 Commemorative Plate, a painting of Chief Engineer, Benjamin Wright along with his Commemorative Medal from the completion of the Erie Canal. You'll discover the story, influence, and life on the canal along with the skeptics who called the Erie Canal Clintons Ditch or Clinton’s Folley.

On July 19, Duncan Hay, Historian of the Eric Canal National Heritage Corridor will discuss the importance of Rome, Lake Delta, and the engineering marvel of the canal in “Water For The Canal.”

The Rome Historical Society is free and open Tuesday through Friday 9 – 3 and Saturday 10 – 2.


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