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.
Powering America
Posted November 1, 2018 by Daphne MayerThe National Canal Museum is taking visitors on a journey to the age of steam locomotives with the 2018 exhibition,…
The Hidden History of Island Park
Posted by Daphne MayerThe Hidden History of Island Park - 1827-2017
June 3 - October 31, 2017
The Hidden History of Island Park—1827-2017 tells the story…
The Impact of Irish Immigrants on the Development of Pennsylvania
Posted March 24, 2017 by Loretta SusenBlog Post by: Martha Capwell Fox, Museum & Archives Coordinator
The first Irish immigrants to Pennsylvania arrived in 1682, in the…
October is a lovely time of year to get outdoors. One of the best places in eastern Pennsylvania to enjoy…
Become a Member or Sponsor
Posted April 29, 2016 by Aurelia RappJoin Us!
Become a member today! Your support will help us preserve and share the stories of our region through expanding educational…
Volunteering
Posted by Dennis SchollBecome a Museum Volunteer
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and National Canal Museum welcome volunteers who share our mission of…
Schedule A Research Appointment
Posted by Dennis SchollThe Place For Canal Research
The Archives are open by appointment for personal and professional research.
Research appointments can be made Monday through Friday,…
Archive Collections
Posted by Dennis SchollLearn Something New Today
The museum’s collections reflect the material culture and document the history of America’s canals and navigable rivers,…
