Come to the Canal Society of New York State’s Samuel Center for Canal History at 38 Rochester Street in Port Byron, NY on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 7 PM for a presentation by Emmy-nominated producer/writer/director, Tom Garber, of his powerful new documentary chronicling the vision, struggle, and triumph behind one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in American history.  A Syracuse native, Garber is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose films have aired nationally on public television and been screened at festivals and museums across the country.

Before the steam engine, before the industrial revolution, when the only source of power came from one’s own hands and mind, a group of Upstate New York pioneers engineered and built one of the world’s longest hand-dug canal.  What they lacked in experience they made up for in ingenuity.  Considered the first and most transformative public works project in American history, the Erie Canal defined the development of a young United States.  It was the leading reason New York City became a principal port and Upstate New York a major agricultural and industrial center for over a century.  Our comprehension of the canal builder’s faith in their unproven abilities, and methodology for success, stands as an inspiration for future endeavors.

Admission is free.  Donations will be encouraged!