The Irish and the Erie - Ireland's Contribution to Clinton's Ditch

Bigi linn - join us as we celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal where it went through Utica, a mule's shoe throw away from the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley.

An engineering marvel of its day, the Erie Canal was opened on October 26, 1825. President Jefferson called the idea “short of madness” but that did not deter NY Governor Dewitt Clinton from going ahead with the project that accelerated the westward expansion of the United States and gave rise to New York’s prominent moniker of the Empire State.

Bring your singing voice along to join in the fun! Musicians from Craobh Dugan-O’Looney will relate in story and song how the Irish contributed to its construction from its early beginnings on July 4, 1817 in Rome, NY. You will hear about life on the canal and how the Irish overcame the early prejudices held against to rise in prominence in many walks of American life.

The program will be held upstairs in the H.A.R.P. Museum and is free to attend but donations are gratefully accepted.. All those interested in attending are asked to registerr or leave a message at (315) 733-4228, Ext 6. The H.A.R.P. Museum is located on the second floor of the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley, 623 Columbia St, Utica. All are welcome to attend this program and the museum is wheelchair accessible.

You may also like the following events from Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley:

• This month, 23rd October, 07:00 pm, Irish Film Night - "Man of Aran" in Utica
• Next month, 30th November, 03:00 pm, Eileen Ivers - A Joyful Christmas in Utica

Also check out other Music events in Utica, Entertainment events in Utica.