D&H Canal Museum

10/05/2026

The next presentation in the D&H Canal Historical Society's Makers of History Lecture Series will be on Friday, October 9, 2026, when Amanda Damiano, Associate Professor of Communications at Marist, Chair of the Department of Communications, and Director of the Center for Social Media will present "Communications and Marketing via Social Media in an Era of Decline of Traditional Media", a talk about the mighty growth of social media marketing and the parallel near-death of traditional print and broadcast media, in a discussion with some of her students.

The Makers of History Lectures feature people working and living in our area whose work is of national, and even international importance. The Society believes that the region is rapidly developing into a major center of scholarship and excellence, and that it should play a role in showcasing leaders in many fields who are our neighbors.

The presentation starts at 7:00pm at the D&H Canal Museum and Mid-Hudson Visitor Center at 1315 Main Street in High Falls. There is a $10 suggested donation that can be paid at the door. No reservations necessary. For more information, please go to our website, www.canalmuseum.org, call 845-687-2000, or email us at [email protected]

09/22/2026

CANCELED DUE TO THE WEATHER!!! History on the Water: Join Bill Merchant aboard the Solaris! Sunday, September 27, at 4:00pm, is the penultimate guided tour with our Historian Bill Merchant on the Hudson River Maritime Museum's solar boat, Solaris. Click here to book your seats- https://www.hrmm.org/solaris-cruises.html (Simply select the date from the calendar).

09/20/2026

More than 2,400 years ago, two of the ancient Greek world's greatest powers went to war and the consequences reshaped the Mediterranean world.

Join the D&H Canal Historical Society on Friday, September 25 for the next Makers of History lecture, "Daring Beyond Reason: The Origins of an Ancient Superpower and the First Great War", a presentation by Professor Scott Silverstone of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Drawing on his new book, "What We Can Learn from the Ancient Greeks and the Peloponnesian War", Dr. Silverstone will explore the rise of Athens, the forces that drove the Greek world into conflict, and what this pivotal struggle can teach us about power, strategy, and international relations. His perspective is informed not only by his academic work but also by extensive experience in national security, including directing Navy participation in global and NATO crisis-management exercises. More than 2,400 years ago, two of the ancient Greek world's greatest powers went to war and the consequences reshaped the Mediterranean world.

$10/person, suggested donation. No registration needed. At 1315 Main Street (NY-213), High Falls

09/16/2026

THE MUSEUM GETS A SPECIAL GUEST!
Romana Brocante bussed tables for Chef John Novi in the early 2000s when the 1797 Depuy stone house was the Depuy Canal House restaurant. We often have visitors that recall magical dining experiences here so it was fun to get tales from the kitchen! Be sure to hear Romana's memories of tavern ghosts.

09/08/2026

Change of presenter! Taylor Bruck was scheduled to present this Friday but is unfortunately unable to. In his stead, our Historian Bill Merchant will present "James McEntee: Engineering the Hudson's Golden Age". Explore the life and legacy of James McEntee, a key figure in the development of the D&H Canal and the growth of 19th-century Kingston. As a civil engineer and architect, McEntee oversaw major infrastructure projects including the canal’s eastern section, the first Rondout Lighthouse, and Island Dock—the first pile-supported dock in the U.S. He played a pivotal role in the use of Rosendale cement and the planning of Chestnut Street, one of Kingston’s most distinguished neighborhoods. The presentation also highlights McEntee’s influential family connections, including his son, painter Jervis McEntee, and his son-in-law, architect Calvert Vaux.
The presentation starts at 7:00pm at the D&H Canal Museum and Mid-Hudson Visitor Center at 1315 Main Street in High Falls. For more information, please go to our website, www.canalmuseum.org or call us at 845-687-2000, email us at [email protected]

$10/person, suggested donation
No registration needed
1315 Main Street (NY-213), High Falls

09/05/2026

The next presentation in the D&H Canal Historical Society's DePuy Lecture Series will be on Friday September 11, 2026, on "James McEntee: Engineering the Hudson’s Golden Age".

Join City of Kingston Historian and Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck to explore the life and legacy of James McEntee, a key figure in the development of the D&H Canal and the growth of 19th-century Kingston. As a civil engineer and architect, McEntee oversaw major infrastructure projects including the canal’s eastern section, the first Rondout Lighthouse, and Island Dock—the first pile-supported dock in the U.S. He played a pivotal role in the use of Rosendale cement and the planning of Chestnut Street, one of Kingston’s most distinguished neighborhoods. The presentation also highlights McEntee’s influential family connections, including his son, painter Jervis McEntee, and his son-in-law, architect Calvert Vaux.

Taylor Bruck is the City of Kingston Historian and Ulster County Clerk. He previously held the role of Ulster County Archivist and is a captain of the Kingston Guards Vintage Base Ball Team.

The presentation starts at 7:00pm at the D&H Canal Museum and Mid-Hudson Visitor Center at 1315 Main Street in High Falls. There is a $10 suggested donation that can be paid at the door. No reservations necessary. For more information, please go to our website, www.canalmuseum.org or call us at 845-687-2000, email us at [email protected]

$10/person, suggested donation
No registration needed
1315 Main Street (NY-213), High Falls

09/04/2026

Paltz Homeschool

09/03/2026

09/01/2026

Join us at the D&H Canal Museum for free tours of the National Historic Landmark Five Locks Walk, as part of the Hudson River Valley Greenway's popular Rambles, this Sunday, September 6, and Sunday September 20.

Meet D&H Canal Historical Society Museum Director and Historian Bill Merchant at the Mid-Hudson Visitor Center in The D&H Canal Museum at 1,315 NY Route 213 in High Falls at 2:00pm when he will guide you on a walk through the fascinating and important history of the Delaware and Hudson Canal and Gravity Railroad along the towpath of the Five Locks Walk. No reservation are needed.

We hope to see you there!

08/27/2026

It's that time again! Join D&H Canal Historian Bill Merchant on the Hudson River Maritime Museum's solar boat, "Solaris" for a fun and informative tour of the Upper Rondout Creek, this Sunday, August 30 at 4:00pm. Book your seat here-
https://www.hrmm.org/solaris-cruises.html (Click on the D&H Tour button)