New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation, and WMHT Public Media Partner to Present ‘Reflections on the Erie Canal,’ a Multi-Platform Series Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Erie Canal
For Immediate Release: March 25, 2025
Contact: [email protected] | 518-281-5510
New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation, and WMHT Public Media Partner to Present ‘Reflections on the Erie Canal,’ a Multi-Platform Series Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Erie Canal
Ten-part video series to premiere April 12th with full length original documentary debuting this fall at World Canals Conference in Buffalo
Content highlighting 200 years of the Erie Canal’s influence on New York State will be made available to middle and high school students via PBS LearningMedia
cid:clip_image002.jpgThe New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation, and WMHT Public Media today announced the launch of a robust multi-platform, multi-media initiative to commemorate the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial, which is taking place this year. Through a 10-part weekly series, hourlong original documentary, and vibrant content available to classrooms across New York, Reflections on the Erie Canal will engage and enlighten viewers in exploring the 200-year journey of the Erie Canal, while also contemplating its future.
“As stewards of the present-day iteration of the Erie Canal, it is our job to ensure we are sharing its history and promoting the ways that it has been transformed over its two centuries of existence, so that it remains a vital and relevant waterway for many centuries to come, said New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “We thank WMHT for creating this documentary series that highlights this important part of our history, in an accessible format for all.”
Reflections on the Erie Canal will examine the magnitude of the canal’s broad impact in New York and beyond, introducing viewers to a variety of people and places connected to the Erie Canal. From its historical significance and role as an economic catalyst to its importance as a venue for contemporary artistic expression to its focus on environmental resilience and revitalization, the series will share lesser-known stories since the Erie Canal’s birth and consider potential visions for future use – reinforcing its recognition as a pillar of New York’s identity, culture and future vitality.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “Whether talking about the innovative engineering employed for its construction, or how this iconic American waterway is a source of inspiration for the arts today, there are countless topics to explore when it comes to the Erie Canal. This documentary series captures so many facets of New York’s national treasure and I’m excited for people across the state and beyond to tune in and learn more about it.”
The 10-part series will premiere on Saturday, April 12, and will stream on-demand at www.wmht.org/eriecanal/. Additionally, the 5-to-7-minute videos will broadcast on WMHT and be offered to NY PBS stations statewide. The episodes feature a blend of historical content, such as a look at Indigenous communities disrupted by the construction of the Erie Canal; and the canal’s use by freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad; educational programs, from how a canal lock works to how the waterway is maintained; economic impact, including how businesses are establishing inclusive recreational opportunities along the canal; and lifestyle pieces involving collaborations that highlight the Erie Canal’s connection to arts, culture, nature and wildlife.
The one-hour documentary will debut at the World Canals Conference 2025 being held in Buffalo from September 21-25, with the broadcast premiere on WMHT planned for October. In addition, planning is underway to unveil the documentary at community events throughout the Erie Canal corridor that will be open to the public.
Additionally, as part of the collaboration, WMHT is also creating a PBS LearningMedia collection of Reflections on the Erie Canal content for classroom use by middle- and high school students in New York and beyond. PBS LearningMedia is a free-to-use compilation of videos and lesson plans that are vetted by teachers and tied to New York’s educational standards. That content will be available beginning in November, with professional development activities for teachers planned through Spring 2026.
Anthony V. Hayes, President and CEO of WMHT Public Media and Board Chair of the Association for Public Broadcasting Stations (APBS), which represents public broadcasters statewide, said, “We are delighted to partner with the New York State Canal Corporation to share the unique and important story of the Erie Canal as part of this auspicious celebration. In exploring the context leading up to the canal’s construction, examining the complexity of its repercussions, and showcasing how the Erie Canal remains vital and significant two centuries later, we look forward to taking our audience on a journey befitting one of New York’s greatest resources.”
The Erie Canal’s bicentennial takes place this year with a season of programming to accompany its momentous anniversary. More information on the bicentennial and related activities being held across New York State can be found at https://eriecanalway.org/bicentennial.
For details on Reflections on the Erie Canal, including program information and airtimes, and to stream content, visit www.wmht.org/eriecanal/ and the PBS app.
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About NYPA
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.
About the New York State Canal Corporation
New York’s Canal system includes four canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga–Seneca. Spanning 524 miles, the waterway links the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The canals form the backbone of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and connect hundreds of unique communities.
The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority.
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About WMHT Public Media
Serving Eastern New York and Western New England, WMHT Public Media is the only locally owned, nonprofit, multichannel public communications organization that reaches beyond the traditional broadcasting model to act as a leader by convening arts, culture, learning and civic interests. WMHT focuses on Community, Culture and Connections by providing entertainment, enrichment and engagement through television, radio, digital media, and educational services. Services include WMHT-DT (17.1), WMHT-Create (17.2), WMHT-World (17.3), WMHT PBS Kids (17.4), WMHT-FM 89.1 & WRHV-FM 88.7 (classical public radio), and WEXT Radio 97.7/106.1 (AAA public radio). WMHT also operates RISE, a radio reading service for the blind and print disabled.
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