New York State Canal
New York State Canal Conference
Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2012
Oswego, NY , featuring Port of Oswego
This next event will bring together canal enthusiasts, historians, developers, elected officials and others to exchange ideas and learn more about the Erie Canalway.
The NY State Canal Conference is held every other year to:
- Develop a statewide network of volunteers and professionals who are dedicated to the revitalization of canal communities located within the Erie Canal Heritage Corridor
- Promote the success stories and share organizational strategies of communities that have or are attempting to implement the statewide canal master plan as well as local waterfront and canal master plans
- Recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion and enhancement of the New York State Canal System
The event was first organized by a group of volunteers in Lockport who put together the first Canal Conference there in 1996. After the first year, the organizing committee was expanded to include representatives from throughout the canal system.
After successful collaboration in 2000 for the World Canal Conference, the Canal Conference Planning Committee became a formal part of the Canal Society. In partnership with the Canal Corporation, the Canal Society conducted the 2001 New York State Canal Conference in Syracuse.
The 2003 event in Utica, the Canal Convocation, was collaboration with a commission from the recently designated Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor (ECNHC) and the Canal Corporation. The National Park Service and Parks & Trails New York have also been significant partners in planning and operating the Canal Conference from the first one. In addition, each community hosting the conference identifies a lead organization to serve as the local events committee.
The conference has been held in the following communities:
Fairport (1997)
Little Falls (1998)
Oswego (1999)
Rochester/World Canals Conference (2000)
Syracuse (2001)
Utica (2003)
Glens Falls (2004)
Rochester (2005)
Troy-Waterford-Cohoes (2006)
Lockport-Buffalo-Niagara (2008)
Rochester/World Canals Conference (2010)