The Beat

New VR experience, student art, and accreditation highlight a legacy of connection and conservation.

Niagara Falls, N.Y. (June 12, 2025) – The Aquarium of Niagara is diving into its 60th anniversary with bold new offerings and accomplishments including a 60-foot mural, VR shark dive, and recent accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The nonprofit institution, founded in 1965, commemorated six decades of facilitating connections to the aquatic world at a public event this morning.

Seneca Falls, NY - Women’s Rights National Historical Park will host a special temporary exhibit to commemorate the Erie Canal Bicentennial beginning Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Entitled “Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal,” the exhibit focuses on the evolution of the Erie Canal and its role in the development of Central and Western New York. This exhibit is supported by the Friends of Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

Your Next Chance to Become a 101st Airborne Paratrooper is Saturday, June 28, 2025!

Farmingdale, NY (June 9, 2025) - Coming off a successful May 3, 2025 debut flight, American Airpower Museum continues their popular C-47 D-Day Living History Flight Experience with three additional dates in 2025 to commemorate the End of World War II 80th Anniversary.  AAM’s mission is to educate the public about aviation history and in particular, the important role that military aviation has played in defense of the United States during WWII and beyond.  Our flights are an excellent way to teach present day Americans what it was like to participate in an actual combat mission during WWII.

Wurtsboro, NY (June 2, 2025) – Join the Town of Mamakating and the Village of Wurtsboro on Sunday, July 13, 2025, for a full day of festivities celebrating the 200th anniversary of the groundbreaking of the Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Canal. This free, family-friendly event will include a parade, historic reenactments, music, living history displays, and a period costume ball.

With Investment and vision for its next century of operation

Commitment to Waterway Ensures a Thriving Destination for Recreation, Tourism, Economic Development, Commerce and Culture

Official Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemorative Poster Available Here 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State is continuing to invest in the New York State Canal system through a $50 million allocation in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget as the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial navigation season begins. The capital funding secured through the state, the second in two years, builds upon the annual investment into the waterway’s core operation and maintenance by the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation, and supports the vision put forth by the Canal Recreationway Commission in the recently published Canal Recreationway 2050 Plan.

Full listing available on new online calendar

Waterford, N.Y. — As the NYS Canal System gets set to open for its bicentennial year, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the NYS Canal Corporation are pleased to announce major bicentennial events taking place throughout 2025. A full listing of events is available using the new online Bicentennial Events Calendar at https://eriecanalway.org/events.

Parade, Historic Reenactments, Music, Living History Displays and a Period Costume Ball to Take Place

Wurtsboro, NY (May, 13 2025) – Join the Village of Wurtsboro on Sunday, July 13, 2025, for a full day of festivities celebrating the 200^th anniversary of the Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Canal. This free, family-friendly event will include a parade, historic reenactments, music, living history displays, and a period costume ball.

Cayuga County, N.Y. (April 2025) – The Erie Canal, a defining feature of New York’s history and development, is celebrating its bicentennial in 2025, and Cayuga County is ready to welcome history enthusiasts eager to honor this milestone. With a rich canal heritage and a full lineup of engaging events and resources, visitors can immerse themselves in the stories, sights, and experiences that have shaped the region for two centuries.

101st Airborne Reenactors Create Realistic Paratrooper Experience for C-47 Passengers

Farmingdale, NY (April 6, 2025) -- American Airpower Museum (AAM) continues its popular C-47 D-Day Living History Flight Experience with four 2025 dates to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the end of World War II.  AAM’s mission is to educate the public about aviation history and in particular, the important role that military aviation has played in defense of the United States during World War II and beyond.  Our flights are an excellent way to teach present day Americans what it was like to participate in an actual combat mission during WWII. …

Wurtsboro, N.Y. (March 11, 2025) – The Village of Wurtsboro will host a bicentennial celebration for the Delaware & Hudson (D&H) Canal, marking 200 years since this historic waterway transformed trade and transportation in the region. The event will feature a parade, historical exhibits, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The parade will end at the reenactment site where a portion of Philip Hone’s groundbreaking speech will be read.