New York State Canal Corp. offers free Erie Canal bicentennial commemorative posters

New York State Canal Corp. Press Release & Graphic

The New York State Canal Corp. announced the distribution of posters, created by Dr. Tyler Nordgren, to commemorate the bicentennial of the Erie Canal. Beginning Aug. 1, they will be offered at no charge to the public at 106 locations across the New York State Canal System while supplies last.

“We are thrilled to offer this beautiful Erie Canal bicentennial poster for free at locations across the canal system as a part of our yearlong commemoration,” said New York State Canal Corp. Director Brian U. Stratton. “Created by the ever-talented Dr. Nordgren, this beautiful image is the visual embodiment of 200 years of the Erie Canal. From boating to outdoor recreation to the communities that emerged along the canal’s banks – that are still so connected to the waterway today – it’s all here.”

Nordgren, an artist, author and astronomer, has designed many images to honor science and the environment, including one to commemorate the 2024 solar eclipse for I LOVE NY.

Nordgren said, “Every time I’ve ridden my bike, or gone kayaking on the Erie Canal, I’m swept back in time to a view of America where life traveled at the speed of horse, boat and bicycle. It deserves to be an All-American tourist destination as famous as driving Route 66 in the desert Southwest or seeing Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park. Creating this poster is my love letter to this slice of Americana that is still here waiting to be explored.”

2025 marks the 201st consecutive season of navigation along the canal system and the bicentennial of the opening of the original Erie Canal on Oct. 26, 1825. Supported by the Erie Canal bicentennial commission, the canal corridor from Albany to Buffalo is bustling with events this year ranging from concerts to festivals to theater performances and more.

As communities and organizations come together to commemorate this milestone, information on all these happenings can be found on an interactive calendar hosted by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. The link to the calendar can be found here.

A key commemorative activity will take place in September when the 2025 World Canals Conference takes place in Buffalo. This yearly event, held in locations around the world, brings together an international audience of hundreds of canal and inland waterway enthusiasts, professionals and scholars to learn about a variety of topics related to canals.

The New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corp., and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. and Visit Buffalo Niagara, are the joint sponsors this year.

2025 poster distribution locations include:

√ Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo

√ Erie Canal Discovery Center, 24 Church St., Lockport

√ Lockport Public Library, 23 East Ave.

√ Royalton Hartland Community Library, 9 Vernon St., Middleport

√ North Tonawanda History Museum, 712 Oliver St.

√ North Tonawanda Public Library, 505 Meadow Drive

√ City of Tonawanda Public Library, 333 Main St., Tonawanda

About the New York State Canal Corp.

New York’s Canal system includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga – Seneca. Spanning 524 miles, the waterway links the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The canals form the backbone of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and connect hundreds of unique and historic communities.

The New York State Canal Corp. is a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority. “Like” Canals on Facebook at NYS Canal Corporation. Follow Canals on X/Twitter at @NYSCanalCorp.