Although fascinating, canal history remains one of the hidden stories of America's past. Yet canals were integral to the country's growth, providing the first long-distance "highways" that penetrated America's interior. Their importance was short-lived but came at a time when the United States was establishing itself as an industrial power. Without canals and their ability to transfer natural resources, manufactured products, and thousands of immigrants seeking a new life, America's transition from a farm-based economy to one based on heavy industry would have been delayed by several decades.
On April 1, 1921, the "Individual Drinking Cup Company" - which would later be known as Dixie - moved into…
Meet NCM Intern Rachel Moser, Researching 2022 Women’s Labor Exhibit
Posted March 25, 2021 by Daphne MayerWe’re excited to introduce Rachel Moser, currently interning with the National Canal Museum Archives. Rachel is a senior at Moravian College, double-majoring in nursing…
Lucky to Have the Irish
by NCM Historian Martha Capwell Fox
During the 1820s and 30s, when canal-building was booming, it was said…
The Women of the Silk Mills
By NCM Historian Martha Capwell Fox
In celebration of Women's History Month, our history blogs for…
1902 Flood and Blizzard
by NCM Historian Martha Capwell Fox
As we gladly watch the piles of February snow melt away, we…
Conch Shell Horns on the Canal – and way, way back in history.
Posted February 24, 2021 by Daphne MayerConch Shell Horns on the Canal - and way, way back in history.
by NCM Historian Martha Capwell Fox
The deep, loud hoot…
Captain Jimmy Brown: African-American Canalboat Captain
Posted February 17, 2021 by Daphne MayerCaptain Jimmy Brown: African-American Canalboat Captain
by NCM Historian Martha Capwell Fox
Once upon a time, a nine-year-old Black boy named Jimmy stood alongside…
Museum Monday: 1864 Rules and Regulations of the Lehigh Canal
Posted February 1, 2021 by Daphne MayerAt first glance, carrying cargo up and down the Lehigh Canal seems to be a fairly straightforward operation - but…
