The Sea Trial of the Seneca Chief Stopping in Orleans County, NY
On Monday, August 12th, and Friday, August 16th, Medina will experience history from a new perspective as the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will be docking at 1 Canal Basin Medina, NY. Both days consist of music, food, live speaker series, and FREE tours of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief throughout the evening from 4-7pm.
The Buffalo Maritime Center has constructed a traditionally built replica of the historic Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief that opened the Erie Canal in 1825. In 2024 the Seneca Chief will be doing a trial run through Lockport, Medina, Brockport, and Rochester to prepare for their 2025 voyage to New York City. The Seneca Chief will play a significant role in the Erie Canal Bicentennial in 2025 as it departs on a journey from Buffalo to the New York Harbor to commemorate the Bicentennial of Gov. DeWitt Clinton's 1825 Inaugural Voyage and celebrate community across the state. The 2025 Bicentennial commemorates 200 years after the official opening of the Erie Canal.
Below is the timeline of events for August 12th & 16th:
4 pm:
- Opening remarks from Medina's Mayor and Brian Trzeciak (BMCED)
- Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief is open to the public with docents/guides
- Start of on-shore programming and events
4:15 pm
- Start of music entertainment on mobile stage
5:30 pm
Start of speaker entertainment on the mobile stage
- Roger Allen / Greg Dudley (BMC Boatbuilders)
- Medina Historian
7 pm:
- End of Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief Visitor Experience Public Hours
For those who are attending please bring a chair and stay for the afternoon. This is a 3-hour event and will be happening rain or shine so please check the weather and dress appropriately. Buffalo Maritime Center will be offering free tours of the boat and exhibits. You can also see boatbuilding demonstrations and try your hand at paddle-shaping.
The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief and their trial run marks a historic moment for the Buffalo Maritime Center. We are excited for them to choose to make Medina one of their stops and share this with the public.
For more information on Orleans County explore our website www.OrleansCountyTourism.com, email info@orleanscountytourism.com, or call 585-589-3100. To request a travel guide click here.
