The Erie Canal was the conduit that brought economic prosperity and social change to Western New York and the rest of the country. Join us in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of foreign-born people to the building of the canal and America during its bicentennial celebration. Constructed primarily by immigrant labor, the Erie Canal transformed the United States, as immigrants also traveled the canal to stake their claim to the American Dream.
Explore All the Erie Canal Bicentennial Events at Canalside
Family Art Project
Wednesday, July 2, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 16, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 30, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
This is an opportunity for kids and their families to come together at Canalside to celebrate their family’s ethnic heritage. IIB will supply various art tools, and each family will decorate one cloth square (approximately 6×6 inches) with what their heritage means to them. At the end of the event, the squares will be connected to form a giant tapestry/quilt for display.
Citizenship Tests
Wednesday, July 2, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
We will offer visitors of Canalside sample U.S. Citizenship tests. See if you could pass a modern-day test, like the ones our new immigrants must pass to become naturalized American citizens. This is a unique exercise to highlight the work that goes into gaining American citizenship today.
Day of Dance
Wednesday, July 16, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
We will celebrate our region’s many immigrant cultures with Irish, Laotian, and Polish dancers!
Community Trivia Contest
Wednesday, July 30, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Test your knowledge in Trivia Contest with questions ranging from Erie Canal history, Buffalo’s immigrant past, to world history, to questions on ethnic foods, sites, architecture, and more. Ethnic appetizers and beverages would be provided as well!
Buffalo’s Immigration Heritage Presentation
Thursday, August 28, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
IIB Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi discusses the history and contributions of foreign-born people in Buffalo and how they are a plus for the community.