There is a lot going on in the next several months to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the SNS
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IN THIS "All Things Schuylkill Navigation" EMAIL:
SNS Celebrates 200th Anniversary
Upcoming Canal-Rail Excursion Almost Sold Out
Information Link to Bicentennial Activities
SFAHS's Participation in the Bicentennial
CELEBRATING THE 200th BIRTHDAY
The Schuylkill Navigation System (SNS), the nation's first, was completed in 1825. The 108-mile system stretched across five counties, from Port Carbon to Philadelphia and was comprised of 32 dams, 27 canals, and 71 locks. It cut the transportation of raw materials as well as manufactured goods from weeks to days and was responsible for the growth and development of more than 50 towns along the river. Spring City was one of those communities and the Vincent Canal portion of the SNS came through what would become Spring City Borough.
A number of activities are planned to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the SNS, which pre-dated the Erie Canal. Check out the information in this email, but also use the link to go to the Schuylkill Navigation Bicentennial Main Webpage.
CANAL-RAIL EXCURSION TICKETS
There are only about 30 rail excursion tickets left, so order yours now! On April 5th, the excursion will depart from the Reading Outer Station at 9:30 AM, and make its way along the upper 38 miles of the Schuylkill Navigation. The excursion will stop at the Leesport Lock House, the newly cleared Lock 27, the Crosscut Canal, the Auburn Tunnel, and the Firth Docks at the Head of Navigation. Schuylkill Navigation historians will narrate the northbound trains as we'll as the hikes to the sites noted above. For complete information, and to order tickets, click on the link below:
Click on the link below to discover the many activities planned in connection with the Schuylkill Navigation Bicentennial. Included is information on an all-day history and environmental symposium on the past, present and future of the Schuylkill Navigation System. The site is frequently updated, so check back often.
The Spring-Ford Area Historical Society is also celebrating the bicentennial of the Navigation System.
APRIL 9th, 7:00 PM - Our first local history program of 2025 will be held on Wednesday, April 9th at 7:00 PM and will focus on the Vincent Canal portion of the system. The Vincent Canal came through Spring City Borough and ran parallel along Main Street. SFAHS Treasurer, Dave Willauer, will share images of original drawings used in planning the system, as well as vintage photographs that document the canal. Come and share stories of the canal, either from your personal memories or those shared by family and friends.
MAY 17th, 2:00 PM - In conjunction with the SNS Bicentennial Weekend, SFAHS will hold a family program geared toward the younger set. Join Dave Willauer on Saturday, May 17th at 2:00 PM in our pavilion to learn about what a canal system is, how a canal lock works, and what life was like on the canal for both adults and children. A demonstration of how a canal boat requires less effort to move than a cargo wagon will be included, and several Schuylkill Navigation artifacts and canal boat models will be on display.
POMEROY FOUNDATION HISTORICAL MARKER - SFAHS was the recipient of a 2024 Pomeroy Foundation grant that funded the fabrication of a marker to identify the location of the Vincent Canal in Spring City and commemorate its history. The marker will be installed along Bridge Street near where the canal crossed, and where portions of the canal's berm can still be observed. We will communicate a date for the dedication and unveiling of the marker as soon as it becomes available.
*rail photo courtesy of Sandy Sorlien
HELP TO MAKE HISTORY IN 2025!
If you're not a member of SFAHS, remember...history continues to march on! Be a part of preserving our local history. Join today and we'll send you a copy of our latest newsletter which always includes a four-page insert about local history. SFAHS membership is the BEST DEAL IN TOWN! Become a supportive part of our active and growing organization!
