Erie Canal Museum

Erie Canal Museum Open daily from 10AM - 4PM and housed in the 1850 Syracuse Weighlock Building. Come aboard a full size replica canal boat. Explore life in a canal town.
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The Erie Canal Museum showcases the only existing weighlock building in the United States, collects and conserves Erie Canal material, and promotes awareness of the Erie Canal's history and impact through educational programs. Learn about the man-made waterway that played a major role in the growth and development of our country. The Erie Canal Museum is a must-see for adults and children of all a

ges! The Erie Canal Museum is now open 7 days a week from 10 AM - 4 PM. Admission to the Museum is by donation, except during the Gingerbread Gallery. We have a suggested donation of $12/person. Any contribution you can provide is greatly appreciated. Want to show your support of the Erie Canal Museum? Become a member today! Visit http://eriecanalmuseum.org/membership/ for more information. Basic Membership: $50
Canaller Membership: $125+
Weighmaster Membership: $500+

: a 1895 ASPCA report on the condition of New York’s animals, especially the horses and mules on the Erie Canal. Exami...
05/20/2026

: a 1895 ASPCA report on the condition of New York’s animals, especially the horses and mules on the Erie Canal. Examinations like the one shown in this picture found that the condition of these animals had improved dramatically thanks to ASPCA efforts, though there were still many sadly mistreated animals on the canal, indicated by far more graphic images contained in the report. You can learn more about the ASPCA's founding and the role of the Canal in that next Thursday at 6pm. You can attend a talk with Dr. Ernest Freeberg on that topic either in-person or online, we'll record it as well, and you can register here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/2026-sloan-lecture-series-tickets-243113

Today's looks at the subject of next week's talk and the founder of the ASPCA; Henry Bergh.Born in New York City, a ci...
05/19/2026

Today's looks at the subject of next week's talk and the founder of the ASPCA; Henry Bergh.
Born in New York City, a city that would soon rise to even greater prominence with the opening of the Erie Canal, in 1813, Henry Bergh grew up the son of a successful shipbuilder. While serving as a diplomat in Europe during the Lincoln administration Bergh became aware of the gross mistreatment of animals that was common in the 19th century and soon dedicated his life to protecting the rights of animals. In 1866 Bergh founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with the group focusing initially on animals in New York City but their advocacy would eventually spread to the draft animals that pulled canal boats as well. To this day the ASPCA is a major advocate for the humane treatment of animals and Bergh's legacy was felt on the canal system even after his death in 1888, as we will see tomorrow when we highlight an interesting object in our collection from the ASPCA's time on the canals. You have a chance to learn even more about Bergh and the founding of the ASPCA next Thursday at 6pm, when Dr. Ernest Freeberg, author of a recent biography on Bergh, presents here at the Weighlock and on Zoom. Register and learn more here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/2026-sloan-lecture-series-tickets-243113

Let’s go, Central New York! Get active with the Canalway Challenge and explore New York’s historic canals. Cycle, paddle...
05/15/2026

Let’s go, Central New York! Get active with the Canalway Challenge and explore New York’s historic canals. Cycle, paddle, walk, run, or roll along scenic waterways while working toward your personal mileage goal—and reap rewards along the way! Getting started is easy and free:
1. Set your mileage goal
2. Log miles on the trail or canal
3. Finish and earn a mileage sticker, magnet, and Erie Canal commemorative pennant. Sign up today and start exploring! https://canalwaychallenge.org

You can also log some miles with our summer walking tours, which you can get a schedule of here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/2026-summer-walking-tours-tickets-273128

If you have visited our Museum recently, you’ve probably noticed there are some major renovations underway on our histor...
05/14/2026

If you have visited our Museum recently, you’ve probably noticed there are some major renovations underway on our historic Syracuse Weighlock Building. This 176 year old building has had its fair share of renovations and remodeling. There were five major renovations between 1890 and 1918 to improve the use of the space as the building's purpose started to shift away from being a weighlock station to office space, first for the Canals then the New York State Engineers and Department of Transportation. The 3rd major improvement in 1903 saw the removal of the cast iron fence around the building and in 1906, they removed the weighlock scale and wooden trusses, opening up much of the upstairs space for office use. The weighlock chamber was closed off to make even more office space in the early 1930s as the canal was closed and filled in through downtown Syracuse in 1924. Enjoy these photos which also include renovations to the upstairs weighlock gallery, library and main office with one of our founders, Frank B. Thomson, as the space was transformed into the Canal Museum during the early 1960s.

Are you interested in seeing this project for yourself as well as experiencing the historic Weighlock Building further? Consider attending our History at the Weighlock after hours events that will see the Weighlock opened in the evenings on May 28th, July 22nd (the Weighlock’s 176th birthday), and August 19th. We will have special activities including speakers, music, docents, a cash bar, and food trucks throughout those evenings. Find out more details and register for free here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/history-at-the-weighlock-tickets-268621

These events are made possible with support from Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and NYS Canal Corporation !

This week’s object is one of our favorite exhibits here at the Museum, a section of line barn wall originally from Hol...
05/13/2026

This week’s object is one of our favorite exhibits here at the Museum, a section of line barn wall originally from Holley, New York donated by Hurd Orchards. A line barn was a structure owned or rented by a canal boat line company where boats could switch out mules and mule drivers at regular intervals. This arrangement allowed boats to carry more goods, as they did not have to make room for a bow stable to carry their resting mule teams, which in turn allowed the boats to be more profitable. This wall was part of the loft of one of these barns, which is where mule drivers would have rested waiting for their next job. As you can see here, one way these drivers passed the time was by carving into and drawing on the walls of the barn.

This wall represents an important facet in the larger story of animals and workers on the Canal and later this month you have a chance to learn more about the early fight for animal rights and how those canal animals were involved later this month when Dr. Ernest Freeberg, author of "A Traitor to His Species," present both in-person and online about the founding of the ASPCA. Learn more and register here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/2026-sloan-lecture-series-tickets-243113

This Friday, May 15, marks the opening of the New York State Canal System navigation season, and for today’s we’re hig...
05/12/2026

This Friday, May 15, marks the opening of the New York State Canal System navigation season, and for today’s we’re highlighting Brian U. Stratton, who recently retired after nearly 15 years leading the New York State Canal Corporation.

The son of longtime upstate New York Congressman Samuel Stratton, Brian grew up visiting canal towns in his father’s district spanning the Mohawk Valley to the Finger Lakes and developed an early interest in waterways through the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal near Washington, DC, where his family settled shortly after his father was elected to Congress in 1958. He then attended SUNY Oswego in the late 1970s, though like many students at the time, he did not yet appreciate the port city’s rich canal history. After college, Stratton worked for General Electric's broadcasting and cable television subsidiaries and later New York State Economic Development before entering politics in 1992 as a member of the Schenectady City Council. After 10 years on the council and two more in the Schenectady County Legislature, he was twice elected Mayor of Schenectady beginning in 2003. In 2011, Governor Andrew Cuomo appointed him Director of the Canal Corporation.

Stratton’s canal tenure was transformative, though often challenging. In his first year, Tropical Storms Irene and Lee caused devastating flooding and severe damage across the Mohawk Valley and Canal System. Recovery efforts helped shape future resilience and emergency planning. Another major transition came in 2017, when the Canal Corporation moved from the Thruway Authority to the New York Power Authority, a complicated process successfully navigated during his leadership.

Stratton also oversaw the Erie Canal bicentennial commemorations from 2017–2025, including World Canals Conferences in Syracuse and Buffalo. Drawing on his background in economic development and local government, he championed state-sponsored initiatives such as Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, helping bring millions of dollars to canal communities across New York.

Earlier this year, we interviewed Brian Stratton for an oral history project documenting this important era in Canal history. Throughout the conversation, his passion for the canals’ past, present, and future was unmistakable. Retiring in January, Stratton was succeeded by former Syracuse mayor Ben Walsh. We join him in wishing Director Stratton a happy and active retirement!

to some of the hardest working but overlooked members of most canal boats crews; the horses and mules! Here you can se...
05/07/2026

to some of the hardest working but overlooked members of most canal boats crews; the horses and mules! Here you can see a variety of images from our collections showing them at work hauling canal boats.

Sadly, these draft animals were often treated as relatively disposable by their human counterparts and were frequently overworked and abused. In the late 19th century, reformers committed to the new idea of animal rights began to take notice of this treatment and canal animals were wrapped into the advocacy performed by the burgeoning American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Later this month you have the chance to learn more about this forgotten bit of canal history when we host Dr. Ernest Freeberg, author of A Traitor to His Species: Henry Bergh and the Birth of the Animal Rights Movement, for a lecture on this topic. You can attend in-person, on Zoom, or get recording afterwards by registering here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/2026-sloan-lecture-series-tickets-243113

A few hundred feet of the north bank of the Erie Canal west of Fairport’s Main Street has witnessed some interesting his...
05/05/2026

A few hundred feet of the north bank of the Erie Canal west of Fairport’s Main Street has witnessed some interesting history. There have been many lives to this property, and the businesses, buildings and people who have come and gone.

In the late 1950s, Charles H. Kopp Jr. of Fairport’s Parce Avenue surprised many residents when he opened a marina on the property. In those days, the waterway was mostly utilized by barges, and for many had a rather unsavory reputation. In Fairport, Charlie, as he was known, accelerated the change. An article in the local newspaper put it this way:

“Charlie Kopp’s enterprise should certainly come under the head of “new industry” and Charlie himself be regarded as Fairport’s new canal commodore. In a few short years Kopp’s Marina has become a by-word among the canal cruiser trade from Buffalo to Albany, and Many a captain nurses his ailing ship a few extra miles to give Charlie an opportunity to diagnose an unwelcome motor murmur. Under Plans and ambitions, he hopes that by strict attention to his marina he can aid the growth of Fairport and help restore much of its past glories as a “port of call.”

Charlie Kopp saw a future in the Erie Canal at a time when few did. Through his vision and efforts, his marina was the first vital ingredient which eventually led to Fairport’s fine reputation today, often referred to as the “crown jewel of the Erie Canal.

This story came to us courtesy of our friends at the Fairport Perinton Partnership for a Better Community and Perinton Town Historian Bill Poray, who will be partnering with us to kick off our Beers, Bikes, and Barges season on June 25. To learn more about this canal town's incredible history, register for a ticket to BBB here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/beers-bikes-barges-tickets-262431

This is your last chance to schedule your school field trip for the 2025-2026 school year! As the school year winds down...
05/01/2026

This is your last chance to schedule your school field trip for the 2025-2026 school year! As the school year winds down, consider bringing your students to the Erie Canal Museum for a tailored field trip to your educational need, including guided tours and self-guided opportunities. Students learn in many ways and we want to encourage you to make use of our programs to enrich your students’ experiences.

Dates and availability are limited, and are offered on a first come first serve basis. With the assistance from local foundations, the Erie Canal Museum is able to offer some financial support toward the cost of your field trip.

Questions? Ready to schedule a tour? Contact [email protected] or call (315) 471-0593.

Today’s looks at John T. Claris. Born in London, Ontario in 1856, his family moved to Buffalo when he was young, thoug...
04/28/2026

Today’s looks at John T. Claris. Born in London, Ontario in 1856, his family moved to Buffalo when he was young, though he moved back across the border several years later to enroll in the Toronto Veterinary College. In 1882 he graduated with a degree as a Veterinary Surgeonand soon after opened a horse infirmary in Buffalo on Clinton Street. This infirmary was so successful that in 1884 he moved down the street to build a new three story veterinary hospital that also produced veterinary medicines. Doubtlessly many of Claris’ patients both at the hospital and using his medicine were Erie Canal horses and mules. There clearly was quite a bit of business in Buffalo, as Claris enlarged yet again in 1896 and by 1913 he oversaw a veritable veterinary empire, with other Buffalo branches as well as hospitals in Jersey City, Cleveland, Ohio, and Bedford, Massachusetts, with an advertised 2000 patients annually at the main Buffalo branch. It was not only as a veterinarian that Claris was connected to the Canal but also politically. A staunch Republican, Claris was involved with politics throughout his life, and was seemingly well enmeshed in the networks of political patronage and machine politics common to that time period. Shortly after college Claris held the lucrative position of Federal Inspector for the Port of Buffalo for eight years and later became Chief Inspector for Western New York for the Bureau of Animal Industry, a precursor to the Department of Agriculture. Through his political connections, he most likely got to know Rochester party boss George W. Aldridge, who he also painted, creating this portrait of Aldridge leading a canal boat.

Next month, we will look more at animal welfare along the Canal when we host Dr. Ernest Freeburg for his talk "Making Humans More Humane," looking at the development of the animal rights movement and the Canal's connection to that moment in history. You can find our more and register here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/2026-sloan-lecture-series-tickets-243113

: one of the most photographed boats in our collection: the canal steamboat City of Fulton!Steam boats first began regu...
04/15/2026

: one of the most photographed boats in our collection: the canal steamboat City of Fulton!

Steam boats first began regular operation on the Erie Canal starting in the 1870s, though they were initially quite rare, though they gained in popularity as the 20th century approached. The City of Fulton appears to have operated in the early 20th century, primarily traveling the Oswego Canal, along which its namesake city is located. Most images we have of the boat show it traveling between Syracuse, the juncture of the Erie and Oswego Canals, and Oswego itself, with a 1916 newspaper article also confirming that this was its regular route. That newspaper article, as well as these photos, indicate that the City of Fulton was primarily used for hauling freight rather than passengers, a frequent use for steam canal boats during this time period.

By the point the City of Fulton was on the canals, steam boats were a fairly common sight, but they were a relatively new introduction to the system, following the Great Steamboat Race of 1873, where New York State encouraged inventors and boat builders to produce a practical steam powered canal boat. You can learn more about that tomorrow when Schuyler County historian Gary Emerson presents his research from our William G. Pomeroy Foundation Bicentennial Research Project on the topic as part of our Sloan Lecture Series. Learn more and register here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/2026-sloan-lecture-series-tickets-243113

Address

318 Erie Boulevard E
Syracuse, NY
13202

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+13154710593

Website

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