"The Irish and the Building of the Erie Canal"

Tim Bohen, author of "Emerald Thread: The Irish in Buffalo," will discuss the construction of the western section of the Erie Canal, focusing on the Pendleton-Lockport Deep Cut, one of the canal's most challenging segments. Listeners will learn how the Irish canal builders blasted through miles of solid rock near Lockport, instigated two riots, and endured horrific living and working conditions. Throughout this endeavor, they contributed to one of the most significant public works projects in the United States, helping New York become the Empire State.

Tim Bohen is the author of Emerald Thread: The Irish in Buffalo (2024) and Against the Grain: The History of Buffalo's First Ward (2012). He has appeared on C-SPAN and in two PBS productions: one about Buffalo's First Ward and another on the Erie Canal. Tim is a frequent speaker on the Irish in Buffalo. Tim was raised in East Aurora, graduated from SUNY Geneseo and Canisius College, and currently resides in Buffalo.

This program is for adults, registration is required. Registration will open May 20th! Please call the library during open hours or email us to register bWR0cnB0IHwgbmlvZ2EgISBvcmc=.