Let's Make History Together!

Buffalo Maritime Center (BMC) needs our help to take the volunteer-built replica Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief on the Bicentennial Voyage from Buffalo to New York City! With your support, the BMC will provide free cultural and education programs to thousands of visitors in 28 communities across New York state from September-October, 2025.

I've spent the last few years volunteering as a boat builder and a docent for the Erie Canal Boat Replica community boat building project. Along the way I've learned so much about boat building, wood working, and my community's history as a maritime hub and as the terminus of the historic Erie Canal.

I've worked with some amazing volunteers as well as the excellent BMC staff, and have met folks from both the community and from around the world as they've stopped by to learn about and observe the building of this historic Erie Canal Boat replica.

This fall I will be joining the Bicentennial Voyage as both a crew member and as a docent. This is a huge, complicated, and costly endeavor, and we could use your support.

Learn more about how your donation will have an impact by visiting: https://buffalomaritimecenter.org/bicentennial-voyage

All donations, no matter how big or small, are truly appreciated and SO helpful in making this community driven event happen.

Thank you for your support. Together, we’re building more than boats - we’re making history!