Join us for two lectures by Erie Canal expert Pamela J. Vittorio!

A Mighty Chain of Unfortunate Events: The 1825 Opening of the Erie Canal

1 pm - 2 pm

On October 26, 1825, the Erie Canal commissioners and dignitaries celebrated the canal's grand opening with a ride on a flotilla of the finest packet boats. It ended in NYC with a lavish spread, but only for a select few. Along the route,  a series of unfortunate events took place: as cannons boomed, men were killed; canal laborers and boatmen were excluded from the festivities; some canal towns boycotted the event entirely. This presentation brings the passengers of the Seneca Chief and the events of the day to life, with eye-witness accounts from participants and residents along the canal corridor, and recognizes the "unsung" heroes of the day, including the first driver of canal boats.

Location: Ring of Knowledge, Central Library

Pamela Vittorio is a professional genealogist, historian, and part-time Associate Professor in the English Language Studies department at the New School in Manhattan. She obtained a certificate in genealogical research from Boston University, a PLCGS from the International Institute of Genealogical Studies, and completed ProGen Studies. Among her research interests are artifacts, DNA, maps, land records, military history, migration and transportation, socio-linguistics, and people with African American, Canadian, English, French, German, Irish, Italian, Jewish, or Scottish Ancestry – many of whom lived along or worked on North American Canals and railroads.