SAVE THE DATE COMING IN 2025
About the Play
“Clinton’s Ditch: The Story of Building of the Erie Canal” is an original historical drama. In 2025 it will be performed under the direction of Joni Lincoln to honor chronicling America’s grandest and influential man-made waterway. The Old Mentz Heritage Center is hosting play to be performed at the Canal Society of New York State – Samuel Center for Canal History in Port Byron. The play narrates the canal’s creation from its original vision to its monumental completion in 1825 under the leadership of New York State Governor Dewitt Clinton. It will commemorate the Erie Canal’s profound impact across New York State and engage audiences in celebrating our shared heritage.
Message from the Director
Joni Lincoln
We will be celebrating the genius of DeWitt Clinton and the perseverance of the American Spirit! The completion of this remarkable link to our wide open West in 1825 was against all odds and most political reckoning. The stubborn, hardworking immigrant Irish and early American settlers continued their monumental task despite unrelenting hardships. This is a testament of an idea to make New York State the pathway to a great nation. More than 200 years ago DeWitt Clinton and his ‘caravan’ traveled this region to see if the canal idea was indeed a possibility.
Thank you to our Funders & Paid Program Supporters
Funded in part through the generous support of
New York State Canal Corporation
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
Village of Port Byron
Town of Montezuma